Tamarac students helped the area’s homeless stay warm this winter by making fleece blankets that were donated to
Joseph’s House & Shelter in Troy.
Members of the National Junior Honor Society made a dozen blankets with patterns from sports to butterflies so children would enjoy them.
Advisor Eric Medved explained Joseph’s House & Shelter is an organization that various student clubs at Tamarac often help out due to its strong community purpose.
“In the National Junior Honor Society, our students are always looking for community service opportunities where they can make a difference,” Mr. Medved said. “This is young people helping people. Through the efforts of Joseph’s House, this project and others like our various food drives, help people right in our own backyard and that is what being community-based is all about."
Paul Dellio, community liaison for Joseph’s House, explained the non-profit organization provides emergency shelter to individuals and families in a housing crisis. It serves more than 1,000 men, women and children each year in its emergency shelter.
Mr. Dellio noted the blankets were given to families both in their shelter and area motels and hotels in which the organization houses some families because there is not enough room for them at the shelter.
Tamarac students said it was rewarding to help the organization.
"It felt good to make the blankets knowing the kids would appreciate them,” said Rachel Doody.
"It feels good to help people that are less fortunate," said Shannon Doin.
"It took a lot of time but it was worth it to help those in need around the holidays,” said Molly Dickinson.
