USU student making a difference, one blanket at a time

With winter approaching in Utah, more and more families need blankets to keep out of the cold.

Sydney Laws, a sophomore at Utah State University, saw this need and turned a leadership course project into an opportunity to serve her community.

On Nov. 4, Laws made a goal to raise $3,500 and to make 75 blankets for local homeless shelters and schools.

She said this project would not only allow her to gain leadership skills, but it was also a way for her to support those who needed help in a way she was capable of.

“I can do this thing and I love doing it. I love blankets,” she said.

Laws has participated in service activities like this one before but has never led one. She described the project as a new — but exciting — experience.

She said one of her favorite things to do is sleeping, and therefore making blankets feels right at home with her. Her sister taught her how to make tie blankets while they were growing up and has loved it ever since.

Laws said all donations will go directly to buying fleece for the blankets, and she will gather everything she needs in Cache Valley.

Making the blankets is fairly easy and with three people helping it only takes 20 minutes, according to Laws. To make her fleece tie blanket she places two pieces of fleece on top of each other, then ties them together through thumb-sized slits on the top piece.

“It makes a fun little frilly blanket,” she said.

Laws’ goal is to reach the $3,500 mark by Nov. 19 and have the blankets done by Nov. 22.

Professor Julena Bonner teaches the leadership course Laws is taking. She has taught the class for the past five and a half years. She said she’s seen around 700 student-led projects ranging from raising money for charities to working with companies to sponsor education programs in Kenya.

“Service learning is a powerful way to experience leadership, as it helps students see the difference they can make in the world around them, in both small and big ways,” Bonner said.

Laws is receiving help from her friends, co-workers and family members but local help, she said, would be greatly appreciated.

Laws plans to split the load of blankets in thirds, taking some blankets to the Lantern House in Ogden, The Family Place in Logan and to the Logan City School District for struggling families.

“Within my work I see a lot of kids come from struggling families,” Laws said. “I want to be able to give something to them.”

For those who are willing to help, the GoFundMe page is under “Blankets For Homeless Community & Schools” organized by Sydney Laws. More service ideas can also be found on Instagram by following @usu_service.

Nelda Ault-Dyslin, the adviser for the USU Val R. Christensen Serivce Center, suggests all students who are looking for service opportunities to look at AggiePulse. Daily, the service center will post service opportunities and other engagement events.

-Brielle.Carr@usu.edu