In 2014, Ruth Gahagan was contemplating how she could bring comfort and warmth to those living through difficult periods in their lives. As an alternative to both time-consuming and labor-intensive quilts, she thought no-sew, easy to make, fleece blankets would be very warm and comforting. She recruited volunteers, and the non-denominational Holy Rosary Church Blanket Ministry was founded.
The fourteen active members meet at the Holy Rosary Parish Center every Monday from 11-2. The work year is divided into two parts. They create from January until mid-June and again from September until mid-December. If a special need or request arises, the ladies will meet during the summer. All blankets are blessed before they are personally delivered by a member of the Blanket Ministry.
Since 2014, 1,200+ blankets have been created and donated throughout the County. Recipients include the Aroostook House of Comfort, Hope and Justice Project, the Homeless Shelter, Maine Veterans' Home, Caribou Fire and Ambulance, Cary Cancer Care Clinic, Bread of Life Soup Kitchen, Life by Design, The Farm of Hope, and DHHS.
Despite the COVID pandemic forcing the closure of the Parish Center, the ladies continued making blankets in the basement of one member's home. Over 100 blankets were produced in 2020-2021 then donated to the residents at the Rising Hill Assisted Living Facility in Limestone, the Aroostook House of Comfort, the Maine Veterans' Home, children attending the ACAP Head Start Program in Caribou, as well as to other individuals and families in need.
A non-profit ministry, Holy Rosary Blanket Ministry relies solely on donations from individuals, church and civic organizations, and businesses.
"We feel blessed and are thankful for the tremendous support we have received these past seven years."
For more information, please contact Judy Bougie judybougie@hotmail.com
