Posted October 14, 2024
Peers for Peers, a service-oriented student organization at Plymouth High School, is partnering with St. Vincent de Paul Society and Plymouth Food Pantry on a new effort to deliver 300 blankets to local families impacted by mental-health issues.
The Blankets with Love Mission invites students, staff, families, and community members to donate new or gently used blankets that can provide warmth and kindness this winter. Blankets of any kind are welcome, including handmade and store-bought fleece, quilts, crocheted, or knitted blankets.
Donations are being accepted through Friday Oct. 25. Collection bins are located in the PHS auditorium lobby and just outside the Community Fitness Center entrance. During school hours, donations can be brought to the PHS Office (Door 1G) or the Community Ed & Rec Office (Door 18).
Spearheading the effort is PHS senior Emily Machovec, who plans to study psychology in college. “Before embarking on this new journey and leaving Plymouth, I feel a sense of responsibility to give back to this wonderful community that has taught me compassion, inclusion, and friendship,” she said.
As a sophomore, Emily did in-depth research and a presentation on the mental-health crisis in America and its effect on families and students with lower incomes. “This report had a lasting impact on me,” she said. “I'd like to do some good in my senior year and help Plymouth face these challenges as well.”
To help kick off the effort, PHS alumni Gov. Tony Evers and his wife, Kathy, delivered dozens of blankets to Plymouth High School on Oct. 4 when they were in town for Homecoming.
“This blanket drive would not have been made possible had Governor’s origins from Plymouth not inspired us students to make Wisconsin a kinder, more compassionate place to live,” Emily said.
Learn more:
• Explore the Community Engagement section of our interactive, award-winning District Report Card to learn more about our student population helps the community.
Plymouth High School student Emily Machovec poses with Gov. Tony Evers and his wife, Kathy, at Plymouth High School.
