Founder Alesse Antonik, also the owner of Gifts for Every Reason (an online custom Gift Basket Company for over 15 years), decided to start crocheting lap blankets for seniors and hand them out to senior homes in the Durham area. Focusing on those seniors who do not have family who visit them often. A lap blanket is the perfect size when sitting in a chair or couch to keep the chill out.
Alesse started by purchasing yarn from local thrift stores and bidding sites to make the blankets. Unfortunately it became quite pricey, so Alesse began asking for leftover yarn donations in January 2018. Soft acrylic yarn that is washable and little thicker, any colour and any size. “It’s a great way to use up leftover yarn and with the help of the community, we can gather enough here and there to make a few more blankets.”
In 3 months Alesse has made and donated just over 35 blankets. She hopes to hand out 200 by fall of this year.
Listen to CHFI radio's "FEEL GOOD STORY" - Helping comfort seniors one lap blanket at a time: