A fleece.
A thank you.
Two simple concepts that 24-year-old Nicholas Kristock of Novi discovered makes a big difference for the kids who need extra warmth in their lives.
"When children learn they've been diagnosed with cancer or a serious illness, it's traumatizing for them and their family," said Kristock. "They enter the hospital, a cold and sterile room and what I'm trying to do is give them some hope."
That's how Fleece and Thank You was born.
"These blankets are bright, they're warm and they let these kids know someone is thinking about them," said Kristock.
Kristock, an Oakland University Alumni, spent two years playing professional soccer in Australia. That's where he started volunteering at children's hospitals and met a 4 year old girl named Sophie who was his inspiration.
"She was so full of life even after she was diagnosed with nueroblastoma," said Kristock. "Her positive attitude was infectious, that's why we call all of the kids warriors."
Once someone makes a blanket, they film a 10 -15 second video on their smartphone or computer: a short note of inspiration to show the warrior who will receive your blanket that they are not alone in their fight.
Now, back at home, Nicholas wants to spread the warmth to sick children across the state. So far 202 blankets have been donated, but his goal is big for Christmas.
"By Christmas day I want to donate at least 1,000 blankets," said Kristock. "The week of Christmas I will be going to ten hospitals from Ann Arbor to Traverse City to make drop offs."
To learn how to make a blanket or donation, click here: http://fleeceandthankyou.org/
Want to help? Here are upcoming Fleece and Thank You fundraisers:
- 11/30, 2:30pm Waldon Middle School, Walled Lake
- 12/7, 8am Walled Lake Middle Schools
- 12/14, 11am Village of Oakland Woods, Pontiac
- 12/5, 2:30pm - The Giving Tree Club & Walled Lake Central HS
- 12/28 St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, Okemos - overnight lock-in event
?Christmas deliveries:
1. Detroit Children's Hospital of MI
2. C.S. Mott Children's Hospital
3. Hurley Children's in Flint
4. Bronson Methodist in Kalamazoo
5. Helen Devos Children's in Grand Rapids
6. Beaumont Children's Hospital- Royal Oak-
7. Sparrow Children's Hospital in Lansing
?8. Alpena Regional Medical Center in Alpena, MI
9. Traverse City Munson Children's Ward
10. Grayling Munson Children's Ward
11. Henry Ford Hospital West Bloomfield Children's Ward
12. St. Joe's Ann Arbor