Their annual holiday blanket drive has become a family tradition, but the idea was inspired by the childhood of their parents, Sayeh and Tony. Both grew up in families where caring for others was a strong value, one they knew they wanted to pass on to their children.
When their daughter Mya, now age 13, was born, they decided to start a tradition of collecting and distributing blankets as their family’s way of caring for those in need during the winter holiday season.
14th Annual Blanket Drive
The annual project, which they started 14 years ago, rolls into action just before Thanksgiving, “has expanded more and more each year,” says Sayeh.
Part of that growth comes from the family’s efforts to make giving simple. They are happy to pick up blankets from donors or collect money and shop for the blankets themselves. They have even created an Amazon wish list so donors can simply click and send, which has become a very popular option for the drive.
People want to help but need a way
“Our family’s blanket drive allows us to support people in our community who are in need,” says Sayeh. “Something as simple as a warm blanket can make someone feel seen, cared for, and safe. Being part of this effort reminds us that small acts of kindness add up and that we can all have a role in supporting each other.”
Make a blanket donation to Mya, Jordan, Sayeh and Tony’s Blanket Drive.
What started in 2012 with a donation of 20 blankets reached nearly 100 blankets last year — along with winter socks, underwear, and other needed items. Friends and family have jumped enthusiastically onto the family’s kindness train: “So many people around us want to help but may not know where to donate or have the time to purchase and drop off a donation,’’ Sayeh says. “We try to make it as easy as possible.”
A gift that grows with a family
And, just as the annual collection has grown, so have Maya’s and Jordan’s voices in important decisions about this family tradition. The kids get to help decide where the blankets are delivered. Mya was the one who initiated giving blankets to Seattle Children’s Hospital in the early years of the drive.
“We were visiting Seattle Children’s for an appointment and learned the hospital needed new blankets to give to kids and their parents who had to stay at the hospital.
“The patients got to take the blankets home with them as comfort items after their stays, which Mya thought was super cool,” says Sayeh. “We ended up donating to Seattle Children’s for several years after that.” She adds that the family has also led drives specific to a child’s interests; for example, they collected new basketballs for kids and families in need.
This year, donated blankets will go to Mary’s Place, a Seattle nonprofit organization that provides emergency shelter, housing services, and support for families experiencing homelessness. Founded in 1999 as a day center for women, it has grown into a network of 24/7 family shelters and outreach programs that offer beds, meals, healthcare connections, employment and housing assistance, and specialized support for medically fragile children.
A fall tradition
As each November approaches, excitement about the drive build for Mya and Jordan, their mom says, “They tell all their friends, teachers and coaches to help spread the word.”
Mya and Jordan write a traditional, personal, handwritten thank-you note to every donor. Says Sayeh, “Having the kids acknowledge each donor is a super important part of our drive each year, teaching them to show gratitude for what others have done.”
Want to share a blanket with a person or organization in need? Consider making one using the Doing Good Together No-Sew Fleece Blanket guide.
