At Wegienka Elementary, kindness isn’t just a concept - it’s something students and staff actively put into action. For the second time, Principal Michelle Briegel and her team led the school community in participating in Blankets of Hope, a nationwide movement that combines warmth and encouragement for those in need.
The idea first came to Briegel a few years ago after she saw a segment on CBS News highlighting the initiative. Inspired by its simplicity and impact, she applied for a grant through the organization - and Wegienka has now proudly completed the project twice.
A Project with Heart
The goal of the Blankets of Hope project is simple but powerful: to spread warmth, kindness, and encouragement to those facing challenging circumstances. With the help of a donation of 300 blankets from Blankets of Hope, Wegienka students paired cozy fleece blankets with handwritten notes filled with care and compassion.
“These weren’t just donations,” Briegel said. “They were reminders that someone out there is thinking of you, rooting for you, and wishing you well.”
Students Leading the Way
What makes this project so meaningful is the student involvement. Across grade levels, older and younger students partnered up as “buddy classrooms” to prepare each blanket with a handwritten note, a ribbon, and a gift tag. The collaboration brought students together in a unique and powerful way.
“It was awesome to see our Wildcats working side by side - learning from one another, writing kind messages, and truly putting care into every detail,” Briegel said. “They were so proud of what they accomplished together.”
The notes students wrote were simple, heartfelt, and uplifting like:
“You are loved!”
“Hope this blanket keeps you warm and cozy!”
“You’ve got this!”
“Wishing you smiles and sunshine today!”
Briegel said students were excited and proud to take part in something that would make someone else’s day just a little bit better.
The blankets were donated throughout the Downriver community and Metro Detroit to:
Fish and Loaves
Karmanos Cancer Center
Feed by Faith Food Pantry (Faith Lutheran Church)
Woodhaven Police and Fire Departments
Brownstown Police and Fire Departments
Christnet Shelter
Community Lutheran Helping Hands
Project Linus
Life Lessons in Action
Through this project, students learned valuable lessons about empathy, compassion, and the power of small acts of kindness.
“We hope our students walk away understanding that you don’t need to do something huge to make a difference,” Briegel said. “Even a short note and a blanket can have a big impact.”
A few students even had the opportunity to deliver blankets with their families, creating touching moments of connection and gratitude. While feedback from the community is still coming in, Briegel shared that during Wegienka’s first participation in the project, the school received many heartfelt thank-you notes from recipients.
Looking Ahead
Wegienka hopes to continue participating in Blankets of Hope in the future. Because the program is funded by donors, schools are placed on a waitlist and contacted when sponsorships become available.
While there are no current plans to expand the initiative to other schools, Briegel noted there’s definitely interest: “Some of our sports teams, like Lacrosse, are already looking for ways to get involved in service projects.”
How You Can Help
Community members and parents who want to support future service projects at Wegienka are encouraged to stay connected. Watch for updates through school newsletters, emails, and social media. Opportunities may include donating supplies, volunteering time, or simply helping spread the word.
“Every little bit of support makes a difference,” Briegel said. “We’re so thankful for the community’s involvement and can’t wait to keep making a positive impact - together.”
