Leechburg students make blankets for guests of a soup kitchen in Pittsburgh’s Hill District
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Fifteen students from the Leechburg Area High School life skills class crafted 30 no-sew fleece blankets in class this month for the needy.
The project is in its third year. It doesn’t cost the district anything thanks to a $500 donation from Sue Jones.
She is a school volunteer, area resident and mother of Mark Jones, teacher of the life skills class. Jones has volunteered at the high school for more than a decade and works alongside the students each year.
“The kids all say what a good feeling it is to give some warmth to individuals that may really need it — especially at this time of year and with the cold weather that we have,” said Antigone Kostiuk, a paraprofessional who teaches the class with Mark Jones.
Each blanket measures about 58 inches by 72 inches.
The students personally delivered the blankets Wednesday during a field trip to Jubilee Soup Kitchen in Pittsburgh’s Hill District. Jubilee Kitchen opened in 1979 with a mission of providing meals to people in need 365 days a year. It feeds about 125 guests daily.
“The students are learning work and see the value of that work by handing a blanket to someone less fortunate,” Mark Jones said. “This process helps some of the kids by helping their manual dexterity and fine motor skills.”
Leechburg Area Superintendent Tiffany Nix said the project is a great addition to the life skills class experience.
“I’m so proud of our kids and Mr. Jones for this new tradition, and of course, it wouldn’t be possible without the work of Mrs. Jones,” Nix said. “I’m grateful for this valuable lesson.”
Seventh-grader Corgan McCanna said he liked delivering the blankets in person.
“It made me feel happy,” McCanna said. “I like seeing people warm and get something for Christmas.”