Dozens of volunteers made blankets for homeless teenagers Monday morning at Prince of Peace Church in Olathe.
The organization Fleece 4 Friends donates the blankets to Olathe Youth Outreach.
“A lot of people, during the holiday season especially are looking to help," said Alex Bentzinger. "They want to help but don't really know how to get involved.”
Bentzinger and his family started Fleece 4 Friends eight years ago and have donated hundreds of blankets to kids in need.
This year they hope to make more than 200 blankets.
“You'd be absolutely surprised to find the need, the growing need, for homeless support here in Johnson County, Kansas.," said Bentzinger. "It's something that a lot of people don't necessarily see. It's not right in front of their faces,” said .
A need that may not always seem obvious, but one that many parents here want their kids to recognize.
“It shows them that other people in the area don't always have what they have,” said Anna Starke.
After buying materials to make a blanket, she brought her three children to the Fleece 4 Friends event to show them how they can make a difference.
“When they can do something more hands on, you know, just kind of helps a little bit more to realize what they're giving back,” Starke said.
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Patrick Fazio can be reached at patrick.fazio@kshb.com .
