Kent State Trumbull's Honors College, with the support of the English Club and SEEDS Bible Club, joined forces for a program called "Making Hearts Warm." Students made and donated almost 30 blankets to Rock4Reason, a local organization that helps families in the Mahoning Valley impacted by cancer and terminal illness. Every blanket will be given to a local cancer patient undergoing chemotherapy treatments.
They presented the blankets to Rock4Reason cofounder Frank Lindsay and board member Janelle Lewis on March 13.
"Every year, we donate 50 Care Bags to local Hope Centers in Warren and Boardman," Lindsay said. "These blankets will be perfect for helping patients stay warm while undergoing treatment."
Laurie Hines, Ph.D., Honors College coordinator and assistant professor of educational psychology & foundations, and Gary Ciuba, Ph.D., professor of English, rallied students to complete the project after talking with Lindsay, who is Kent State Trumbull's manager, Information Technology.
"Students really ran with this and put together these blankets with tremendous care," Hines said. "Our work was made much easier by JoAnn Fabrics in Boardman, who donated the materials for this worthwhile endeavor."
Honors Program council president Marissa LeMasters, who is double-majoring in psychology and business, enjoyed the enthusiasm shared by members of the student groups.
"All of the students enjoyed working with and meeting one another throughout this project," LeMasters said. "It's a great way to take a brief break from studies and join forces to give back to people in need in our community.
For more information about Rock4Reason, visit www.rock4reason.org.
About Rock4Reason
Rock4Reason is an all-volunteer group that helps families in the Mahoning Valley who are battling cancer or other terminal illnesses. We support everything locally. Not only does every dollar raised stay in the Mahoning Valley, but we also support and get support from individuals, local businesses, and organizations in Trumbull and Mahoning County. We love this place and couldn't do it without all the help. Everyone has the power to make a difference in someone else's life. Thank you all for your extraordinary kindness and compassion!
Pictured, left-right: Dean Bill Ayres, Ph.D., Marissa Lemasters, Frank Lindsay, Janelle Lewis, and Elizabeth Putnam.