Blankets Needed To Help Keep Tulsans Warm

Tara Vreeland, News On 6

TULSA, Oklahoma -- A blanket probably isn't something many people give much thought to. It's square piece of fabric varying in thickness, material, and color. The simple purpose is warmth and comfort.

But a blanket can mean so much. Especially if you don't have one.

"It's really unfortunate because we've had a lot of people who have shown up literally at our doorsteps requesting blankets and we've simply had to turn them away," said John Selph CEO of Volunteers of America.

It's the seventh year for Project Warmth, a blanket drive that collects new or gently used blankets to give to those who don't have one.

"We have a lot of elderly people coming in who have lowered their thermostats because they can't afford to pay utility bills that are high," Selph said. "They need warmth. They need blankets."

The drive is put on in January by the Volunteers of America of Oklahoma. CEO John Selph says they've had to extend the deadline for donations until the end of February because they haven't gotten the response that they've had in previous years.

"We may get 2,500 to 3,000 and we haven't come close to that this year," he said.

Selph said they've only received about 400 blankets.

"But the need is there and it's probably even greater than it's been in previous years," he said.

If you would like to donate to Project Warmth, blankets can be dropped off at any of the Tulsa-area LaMode Cleaners or Western Sun Federal Credit Union locations.