The other day two gigantic boxes arrived on the doorstep of SAFEchild. It appeared to be a mass quantity of toilet paper (Stranger things have happened, and yes, toilet paper is a need at any non-profit so there’s that.). Upon further inspection of the boxes, we uncovered the most beautiful blankets tucked inside. The staff audibly gasped. The soundtrack of awe never gets old. It turns out that children at a therapeutic boarding school out of state made these blankets.
The busy hands of children ever so thoughtfully and creatively made these blankets to comfort other children in need. Nestled amongst the blankets was a letter.
The letter below was written by a child (now a teenager) we helped at the advocacy center when we first opened. This child was 12 at the time, the same age as my oldest son now. I shudder when I write this and clutch him close. Despite years of working with SAFEchild, I do no become inured to the stories, each one cloaking me in equal parts despair and anger…and hope. It is heartbreaking to hear stories of abuse, yet heartwarming to know what a difference we make in the lives of children and families. Through your continued support, we can all bring peace and joy to children’s lives. This teenager’s example of giving back to SAFEchild cements a cycle broken.
The Robot Blanket
I go to a therapeutic boarding school. When I was younger, I had something bad happen to me and you guys helped me. I went to you when I was 12. I’m 17 now. I used to live in Raleigh. When I came, I got a cute little hand-made robot blanket that I have with me today. That blanket has come to represent a lot for me: love, care, safety, and I hope to give that to another kid who’s gone through something bad. At my school, we are on ‘teams.’ My team and I decide to make these blankets and send them to you guys to give to kids in need. I think we all have had times in our lives that we wished someone had given us a blanket and safety and warmth. We know what it’s like to hurt, and at our school, we’ve really learned what it’s like to love. These blankets were all made with love and care. I hope you can help us in getting them to kids who really need them. Thank you for everything you do. I will carry my robot blanket for a long time. Some of the girls included notes with their blankets to spread a little extra love. Thank you again.
We can help more kids like this. $125 a month provides integrated, comprehensive care to a young child abuse victim and their family at the SAFEchild Advocacy Center. My mantra to my own kids – Every little bit helps. Donate today. As you can see, it makes a profound difference.