Lee Middle School students are learning an important lesson in kindness. Members of the FBLA, Future Business Leaders of America, are participating in the Blankets of Hope project and setting a positive example for students across the country.
Blankets of Hope is a "global movement of kindness" according to their website. More than 500 schools in the United States have donated 50,000+ blankets and letters of encouragement to those in need. Students from Lee Middle School are even featured in a School Participation Guide for the 501(c)3.
Teacher and FBLA Advisor Richard Daenell is teaching his students empathy along the way. Last year, 140 Lee Middle students wrote a letter to a stranger, reminding them that they're not alone and urging them to keep up their spirits. The letters were attached to blankets and delivered locally in Bradenton from the Salvation Army shelter to Turning Points. They intend to make similar deliveries to people without housing this December and in April of 2022.