Teens blanket neighborhood to warm the homeless

News-Times reporter

On Saturday, Oct. 24, teenagers will be invading the neighborhoods surrounding St. Peter's United Church of Christ.

They will be leaving bright yellow plastic bags on residents' doorsteps in an effort to help the needy and homeless individuals and families in Lorain County.

Eric and Sandy Long -- the church's junior and senior high teen youth group advisors -- are asking residents to fill these bags with new or gently used blankets. They are asked to then place the bags on their front porches because teens will be back out in full force on Saturday, Oct. 31 around 10 a.m. to collect them.

The blankets will then be handed out during the Lorain County Mission's monthly dinner on Wednesday, Nov. 25.

"When you're little, a blanket is kind of like security or a hug for a little one," she said. "It will be something for them to remember us by and something as small as a blanket when we are in our nice heated homes, that the homeless have a part of us."

All the donated blankets will stay within the county and cash donations to purchase new blankets are welcome.

If a resident should happen to forget to put their bags out on their front porch or if their bag is still sitting out after noon, residents can contact the Longs at 988-5329 to schedule a pick-up time.

"This is a simple gesture, but much needed in the upcoming winter months," Long said.

While these teens may have more fun hanging out with their friends in the fall sunshine, Long hopes they will learn two very valuable lessons.

"I want them to be thankful that they have a nice warm home to go to and family to be there and to always give back to their community," she said.

The teens will not only be passing out blankets to those in attendance, they will also be serving them dinner. Long told the News-Times once the teens actually see the people they are helping, the greater the impact is going to be.

"They've heard about the stories and the need for it, but they actually will experience it by how thankful the people are for receiving these blankets," she said.

In an effort to raise additional money for the church's youth group, the Longs have forfeited their $1,000 annual salary.

They will use the money to fund future events.

If people miss the deadline or if they live in neighborhoods outside the one-mile parameter around the church, they can call the Longs to schedule a pick-up time.