Sixth grade students at Hope Academy of Public Service prepare bulk fleece for use in making “love blankets” for patients at Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock. Donations of printed fleece by the yard in 1.5-yard pieces are being sought to complete the project, and may be made at the HAPS office, 601 W. Sixth St., during school hours. – Hope Public Schools

HOPE – It was a surprise that came in the mail to Joan Crowder, public service curriculum specialist at the Hope Academy of Public Service. The return address on the envelope wasn’t local, but Crowder recognized the name as that of a Hope High School alumnus and friend.

Inside the envelope was a note and a Walmart gift card earmarked for the purchase of fleece by the yard for the HAPS sixth grade “love blanket” project.

“Her name is Lisa Delano; she was Lisa Thornton,” Crowder said. “She graduated in 1981.”

Social media provided the connection for Delano, who resides in North Carolina.

“She saw our flier on Facebook,” she said.

Other donations from local supporters Glenda Donaldson and Wanda Halliday followed, Crowder said.

Crowder said donations of fleece by the yard purchases have also come from a number of current Hope High School students.

Printed fleece by the yard is needed to create the “love blankets” for patients at Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock for American Heart Month in February. Crowder said 1.5-yard pre-cut lengths of fleece can be purchased locally, and are the perfect size for the project.

This is the third year HAPS sixth grade students have taken on the project.

Donations of fleece by the yard may be made at the HAPS campus office, 601 W. Sixth St., during regular school hours.