Group asks for blankets to distribute to needy families

A goal is to begin the blanket distribution in early January
YOUNGSTOWN -- After the success of an event that distributed more than $11,000 in new blankets last winter, Kathryn Hawks Haney is again asking the community to help provide warmth to those in need.
Haney, president and founder of the nonprofit Give the Children a Chance Inc., is collecting blankets for distribution to anyone who has trouble keeping warm.
"I hope we exceed the blankets we got last year," said Haney, who was elected this fall to a school board term beginning in January. "Not only is it going to be a colder winter but now we're threatened with the flu. We need those blankets."
Last year, more than 500 families received assistance. Various agencies, including local bank branches, served as collection sites. Haney is hoping they will do so again this year.
"A lot of people still need blankets," she said. "We're asking for the banks to open up their facilities like they did last year; agencies opened up their hearts and gave."
Help came last year from various agencies, organizations, businesses, church groups and individuals.
A goal is to begin the blanket distribution in early January. She said parents already have come to her organization, based in the Phar-Mor Centre on Federal Plaza, asking for blankets for their children. Some have three or four children, and the costs of blankets is not in their budgets, she explained.
Many, she said, use blankets to keep warm throughout the winter, even when they are not asleep, in an effort to keep heating bills down.
Parents are required to bring children to the offices to obtain blankets for them. The agency also will assist senior citizens. For information about the program or to arrange a donation, call Haney at (330) 747-2273.