Puppies at the Hotel for Homeless Dogs will be looking forward to a cozier winter under “no-sew fringe” blankets sewn by Lincoln High School’s Club for Change. The club, which is dedicated to civic responsibility through community service and volunteering opportunities, held its third annual Blankie Day in November. The blankets were constructed by club members and student volunteers, who used fleece cloth donated by other students and staff to liven up the local animals’ winters with snug gifts.
Students briefly listened to instructions for how to weave the blankets together, and quickly got to work. Many of last years’ volunteers were present, providing necessary experience to keep the event running, despite some students being unfamiliar with the no-sew fringe technique.
“I was really impressed by the work ethic of the kids,” said the club’s current teacher advisor Ms. Casano. “I was really happy about how excited the kids were to get to it and I was surprised by how they all kind of knew what to do. I was happy everyone was there for a good cause.”
Volunteers cut out squares from the corners of two blankets laid on top of each other, and then cut three-sided strips from the remaining width of fabric. The double-layered strips were then tied together in a double-knot, forming a thick blanket with accessory tassels for animals to cuddle under during their hopefully temporary stay at the Cumberland animal shelter.
Sophomore Tanvi Bobbili attends every meeting she can attend. She spoke about how she felt weaving together her own cozy haven for a cold puppy.
“It makes me feel happy because puppies are so cute, and I love dogs in general, and I feel like I’m helping animals,” said Bobbili. “I would like to contribute [more] by doing other community service work and simply respecting others.”
With over twenty students working together to make around ten blankets, enthusiasm and positivity filled the room. Snacks, provided by the Club for Change, included AirHeads, popcorn, and pretzels that boosted the mood and morale as students learned how to weave each end of the blankets together to create a prettier, cozier version.
Ms. Casano further described Club for Change students as being “really great” and able “do a lot of the leading most of the time” reflecting on the leadership principles the club promotes among Lincoln High School’s student body.
“I’m proud to have helped such a good cause and give my time volunteering,” said Junior student volunteer Nogaye Nidaye after being asked about her experience. “I felt like I helped the animals at the shelter, and hope to help more animals later on.”
Hotel for Homeless Dogs is dedicated to providing no-kill shelters for animals in need of a home while they wait for their forever home. Patrons of the shelter can donate in support of their work, foster young animals while they wait for a home, give time volunteering at the shelter, or permanently take home a four-legged bundle of joy to welcome into the family. Their website, newenglandhumanesociety.com provides further information, along with the email contact [email protected].
This special gift to the shelter will hopefully encourage other community members to play a more active role in volunteering and donations, and supporting local charities or nonprofits in general.
The club has several upcoming events for the holiday seasons, including an Adopt-a-Family donation school-wide fundraiser and holiday card and care packages for children in hospitals and seniors in assisted living care.
Club for Change is also looking for new ideas for the approaching 2025 spring semester. Current suggestions include volunteering events at a local animal shelter, a book drive, or volunteering at a local food bank or homeless shelter, but the club is looking for new proposals. Students can visit Ms. Casano or speak with Swartz with any recommendations.
Updates regarding Club for Change are available on the Google Classroom (code: dt247ut), and announcements regarding school wide events or volunteer opportunities will be made upon the request of student President Swartz.
