The Intl. WeLoveU Foundation partnered with the Oklahoma Children’s Hospital at OU Health in Oklahoma City, OK, to run a blanket drive between February and March. The goal was to donate 200 new blankets. The hospital would then disperse the blankets to the young patients during their hospital stay. Oklahoma Children’s Hospital at OU Health receives families from across the state. Therefore, WeLoveU hosted the drive to ensure the hospital is stocked with blankets that provide great comfort to those who receive them.

At the start of February, WeLoveU volunteers introduced the drive to their companies. Companies like Farmers Insurance, Vermeer Great Plains, and Engineered Equipment, Inc. set up donation boxes, which led to employee participation. Also, an Amazon Wish List was established to garner support online.

On Thursday, March 23, 2023, local WeLoveU volunteers delivered 280 new blankets to the Oklahoma Children’s Hospital, exceeding the goal of 200 blankets. Many blankets were colorful with fun patterns, something many children would be happy to receive. In the morning, volunteers hauled numerous boxes of blankets to the hospital’s atrium. Once there, they met hospital volunteer coordinators Brooklynn Nichols and Jentri Whitford.

Brooklynn explained how the blankets impact families during their stay. “A lot of these kiddos and their families come to the hospital unexpectedly, so they don’t think to bring something as small as a blanket. Whenever there’s one donated and we’re able to provide that for a family, it really brings great joy and comfort to our patients and families during a really hard time.”

Oklahoma Mayor David Holt recognized the volunteer’s efforts by presenting them with a citation. The citation acknowledged the blanket drive and the volunteer’s previous environmental cleanup in Oklahoma City.