Blankets collected to ‘cover’ seniors

By Donnie A. Lucas

Local senior citizens might get the “warm and fuzzies” more easily this winter thanks to a blanket drive organized by a local resident and being facilitated by First Baptist Church.

FBC member Stephen Gleitz formulated the plan to “Cover Our Seniors,” collecting new blankets to be handed out throughout the community in time for the onset of winter.

Gleitz, who is a Director of Critical Care Services at Hendrick Medical Center, organized the drive as a community service project needed to complete his Masters in Nursing Administration this fall.

“I knew I wanted to do something through the church, and since senior citizens are sometimes forgotten during the holidays, this seemed like a good way to help them,” he said. 

The goal is to collect 150 new blankets by Nov. 14 and then deliver them before Thanksgiving so seniors can have them for colder weather.

Collection totes have been set out at the FBC fellowship hall near the entrance to the church office so community members can drop off donations.

Drop-off times are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The recommended size is either 50 x 70 inches or 60 x 80 inches. He said that Amazon has several options for a cost around $20.

For more information, contact Gleitz, his wife Stephanie, or FBC pastor Jeff Turner.

“The hope is for this project to bring the love and ministry of Jesus Christ to our senior citizens for the holdiay season, while also providing them with a warm new blanket for the winter months ahead,” Gleitz said. 

He added that he is also seeking volunteers to help deliver the blankets.

Gleitz’s cell number is 713-502-6655, while Stephanie’s is 832-265-0878. Jeff Turner’s cell is 432-254-1040.