It all started with a nurse who saw the need to bring blankets in for patients to help make them warmer and feel more comfortable while staying at the hospital. Now, thanks to the support of donors through a grant funded by the McLaren Greater Lansing Foundation and philanthropists who stepped in to extend the program into other areas of the hospital, “For the Love of Blankets” has expanded significantly since 2023 when Christina Zimmerman first began the program.
“I noticed our patients were cold and being in a hospital can often be scary or uncomfortable for them,” said Zimmerman. “I saw an opportunity to make a positive impact, even a small one, and started to purchase a few fleece blankets to spread some warmth to patients that needed it, and it took off from there.”
Zimmerman received a grant from the McLaren Greater Lansing Foundation in 2024 that helped her continue to fill her bin that is often found on the 5th floor, where she works and has also allowed her to expand to other floors and areas of the hospital. The Foundation made the program the focus of their 2024 Day of Giving and two of the many donors from the day provided additional funding so that blankets can be also provided to the senior behavioral health unit of the hospital and the Karmanos Cancer Institute, both of which serve vulnerable populations.
“As a psychiatrist myself, behavioral health is very dear to my heart,” said Dr. Linda Peterson, chief medical officer at McLaren Greater Lansing, who funded the blankets that are going to patients in the senior behavioral health unit. “Our patients have a special need of care when they come to us, and this is also a small way that I can show my appreciation to our staff as well to provide them with something that can brighten up a patient’s day.”
McLaren Greater Lansing board member Ralph Shaheen also donated funds to provide the blankets to Karmanos Cancer Institute’s patients, to bring some comfort to those who are going through aggressive cancer treatments.
“I’m so proud to see ‘For the Love of Blankets’ continue to grow and appreciate the support I have received,” said Zimmerman. “Through spreading warmth and comfort, we hope to help our patients be able to focus on healing and feeling better.”
Donations to “For the Love of Blankets” are being received by the McLaren Greater Lansing Foundation. To learn more, click here.
For more articles on health and wellness from McLaren Greater Lansing, click here.