York Middle School Students Deliver Comfort and Kindness to York Hospital Patients

With summer vacation just days away, a group of York Middle School sixth graders spent part of their final week of school making a difference in their community. On a beautiful June morning, 15 students from the York Middle School Leopard Team walked to York Hospital carrying bags filled with handmade blankets—each one created with care to bring comfort to patients facing difficult days.

Accompanied by teachers Cindy Bernier and Olivia Hammer-Grant, the students arrived at York Hospital full of excitement and pride as they presented their donations to hospital staff.

The blanket project marked the second consecutive year that the Leopard Team has combined creativity, teamwork, and community service to support local patients.

“I started making blankets for different groups with my church during COVID,” explained Ms. Bernier. “As someone who has been a patient at York Hospital for many years, I’m grateful the hospital is here in York. I thought this would be a wonderful opportunity for our sixth graders to learn about local philanthropy while doing something fun and meaningful for a nonprofit organization that serves our community.”

The students embraced the project enthusiastically, spending time learning new skills while creating blankets that will provide comfort to patients receiving care at York Hospital.

“I really enjoyed making blankets with my friends and helping people,” said sixth grader Jacob James.

For Chloe Davis, the experience was both rewarding and a source of pride. “I made three blankets—the most in my advisory class,” she said with a smile.

Lucy O’Neill noted the friendly competition that emerged during the project, adding, “The girls made more blankets than the boys.”

Charlotte Griffin said her favorite part was “learning about knots and getting to help people.”

Ms. Hammer-Grant said the project highlighted the compassion and generosity of the students. “It was incredible to watch them work together toward a common goal and find ways to give back to others,” she said. “One student whose family member has cancer took on a leadership role because they wanted to do something to help cancer patients. Seeing that level of empathy and commitment was truly inspiring.”

York Hospital Emergency Department Nursing Director Michelle Hennedy, RN, accepted the donation on behalf of the hospital and expressed heartfelt gratitude to the students and teachers.

“On behalf of our patients and staff, thank you for the beautiful blankets you made and donated,” said Hennedy. “Your kindness, generosity, and hard work have touched many lives in a meaningful way. These blankets provide more than warmth and comfort—they remind our patients that others are thinking of them and care about their well-being. During difficult times, thoughtful gifts like these can bring encouragement, hope, and a sense of connection. We are deeply grateful for the time, effort, and compassion that went into creating each blanket.”

The students’ donation serves as a powerful reminder that acts of kindness—no matter how simple—can have a lasting impact. Through their creativity, teamwork, and generosity, these young volunteers are helping bring comfort and hope to members of their community when they need it most.

For information about York Hospital services, visit www.yorkhospital.com or contact the Community Relations Office at (207) 351-2385 or info@yorkhospital.com.

To support the York Hospital Caring for All Fund, visit https://www.yorkhospital.com/donate or contact David Hall, Chief Philanthropy Officer, at (207) 351-3557 or David.Hall@yorkhospital.com.