Kalamazoo Area Boy Holds Annual Blanket Collection For Homeless

A Kalamazoo area boy began an annual blanket and sleeping bag drive for area homeless in 2015 and four years later, the event and goal continues to grow.

In 2015, Samuel's Blankets for the Homeless began with a modest goal. Collecting 320 blankets blankets for Kalamazoo area homeless. At just 9-years-old at the time, Samuel set a modest goal of 200 and was able to exceed his own expectations. Each year since has seen a raised goal and the same exceeded expectations through community generosity and an empathetic and compassionate young man.

Four years later, Samuel's goal is to collect 3,000 blankets and 150 sleeping bags to be distributed the day after Thanksgiving. At 13-years-old Samuel displays the kind of determination and character not normally associated with "kids these days". His enthusiasm is infectious and his future goal is to be able to expand his area of service to communities beyond Kalamazoo's boundaries in just a few more short years.

Here's how you can help:

• They accept new and lightly used blankets all year long and place out collection boxes around South West Michigan early September through November. Check out area Drop Box Locations all over Kalamazoo or contact Samuel and his volunteers on Facebook if you’d like to donate any blankets!
• Donate Money
  Contributions to 501(c)(3) Non-Profit organizations are tax-deductible
• Share His Page With Your Friends
  One of the most beneficial ways anyone can help us reach our goal is to share our mission with others. Even gaining one extra blanket will provide so much warmth for the upcoming winter.

See Samuel explain his mission for himself