Grovania/Snow UMC’s blanket ministry provides comfort for children during hospital stay

By Allison Lindsey

Carolyn Harrison knows it’s not just about the number of people in a church, but it’s also about the size of the heart. And for the people of the Grovania and Snow United Methodist Churches in the Hawkinsville/Unadilla area, their hearts are big.

Harrison, seeking purpose after retirement, embarked on a mission to provide warmth and comfort to those in need. Little did she know that her simple act of kindness would evolve into a beautiful blanket ministry for her congregation, touching the lives of countless children at the local Children's Hospital.

Harrison's journey began by making blankets for the homeless population in downtown Macon. It was during this time that her niece, Becky Cogburn, who was the director at the Beverly Knight Olson Children's Hospital in Macon, recognized the need for larger blankets to comfort the children admitted to the hospital. Newborn blankets were readily available, but larger blankets were scarce.

Inspired by her niece's request, Harrison rallied a group of like-minded ladies at her church, eager to make a difference. They formed a ministry with a vision to bring warmth, love, and comfort to these children facing challenging times. They began making blankets in 2013, and the first blankets were delivered in 2014.

“They look back now and say that they thought it would be a miracle if they got 50 done,” said Rev. Jamie Hill, pastor of the Grovania and Snow United Methodist Churches. “But over these 10 years 2,066 blankets have been made and delivered to the Beverly Knight Olson Children's Hospital. It has not only blessed the Children's Hospital, but it has also blessed this congregation!"

The blanket-making process involves an efficient assembly line. Church members gather materials and bring them to Harrison, who skillfully cuts them to size. Afterward, the blankets are passed on to church member Ellen Parker who punches holes along the edges before returning them back to Harrison. Finally, Harrison crochets around the edges, adding the final touch of love and care to each blanket before returning them back to the church ensuring there is a blessing in every stitch.

Before the blankets are delivered, they are lovingly laid across the altar during a church service at Grovania UMC. As a congregation, they offer prayers, dedicating these blankets to the comfort and healing of the children who will receive them. This spiritual act fills each blanket with an extra layer of warmth and serves as a reminder of the compassion and faith driving this ministry.

Though the years have brought changes, the heart of the ministry remains strong. While Carolyn Harrison’s illness made shopping for materials challenging, Charles Harrison graciously stepped in to ensure the materials could be purchased. Today, the dedicated trio of Carolyn Harrison, Ellen Parker, and Charles Harrison continues to play an active role in the making and delivery of the blankets. While they remain the core contributors, the ministry thrives due to the support of the community.

Numerous individuals within the church contribute by donating funds, collecting materials, and delivering the blankets. Despite the difficulties posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the blankets are still delivered by a dedicated church member, ensuring that the children receive these tokens of comfort.

“Mrs. Carolyn, Mrs. Ellen, and Mr. Charles remain very active,” said Rev. Hill. “There are several people within the charge that help by donating money, picking up materials, and delivering the blankets. This has really been a full on charge ministry, and most everyone has been involved to some degree.”

Over the years, numerous stories have emerged, highlighting the profound impact of these blankets on the children who receive them. The church has received letters from grateful children and their families, expressing how these blankets provided immense comfort during their hospital stays.

“The social worker for the Children's hospital shared stories of comfort that the blankets brought to children and how they would bring them back each time they came to the hospital,” said Rev. Hill.

The ministry's impact is undeniable, and the numbers speak for themselves. In the current year alone, the ministry has delivered 326 blankets, with only a few individuals engaged in their creation. This remarkable feat is a testament to the passion and dedication of the “dedicated trio” alongside the unwavering support of the church community.

Allison Lindsey is a member of St. Mark UMC in Douglas, Ga. and chairs the Conference Nurture Team.