Lee University students recently made and delivered “memory blankets” to the residents of Legacy Village Assisted Living and Memory Care as a part of a LEAP (Learn Engage Achieve Program) service project.  

“We started this annual project several years ago during COVID when we couldn’t go to nursing homes in person,” said Dr. Angela Waltrip, director of LEAP. “We wanted to send gifts that were practical, while at the same time reminding these residents they were loved. This is the LEAP students’ favorite thing they get to do. It means so much to them because they can express their creativity and reach out to the older generation.”  

The memory blankets, which require no sewing, are small, brightly colored lap blankets adorned with fringes, appliques, buttons, and textures, providing memory care patients with objects to see, touch, and fidget with. 

“This project was uplifting to be a part of because it opened my eyes to how simple service can be,” said Thomas Sampson, a freshman graphic design major at Lee. “It pleasantly surprised me how something as easy as making a blanket could be so impactful to others.”  

Each semester, the LEAP Office organizes a service project for LEAP Scholars to complete as part of their service hour requirement. A total of 77 students, along with Waltrip and LEAP staff members Kathi Douglas, Mallory Smolen, and Jocelyn VanSandt, participated in this project. Together, they created 72 sensory blankets, which were delivered to Legacy Village of Cleveland this month. 

“I am very grateful I had the opportunity to make these memory blankets,” said Trinity Hughes, a freshman English education major at Lee. “Not only was this service project a great creative outlet and a good ‘brain break’ between classes and homework, but it also gave me a deeper sense of compassion as I learned about the purpose behind the blankets and the positive impact they will have on the residents.”  

LEAP started in 2015 and currently serves 140 first-generation or underrepresented students each year who meet the eligibility criteria. The program provides individual success coaching, peer mentors, direct student aid, financial aid counseling, financial literacy education, cultural and academic enrichment opportunities, and other personalized services according to individual students’ needs.  

For more information about LEAP, visit leeuniversity.edu/leap/.