Students from Burns Middle School and Apollo High School wanted to make a positive impact on the local homeless community through their JAG (Jobs for America’s Graduates) programs. So, the students crafted over 100 fleece tie blankets and assembled around 50 “day packs” to support those in need, delivering them across Daviess County on Wednesday.
The group distributed the fleece blankets and hygiene products to various homeless shelters in the area. They also gave some to the Daviess County Sheriff’s Office, allowing deputies to provide immediate assistance to individuals they may encounter.
Apollo students partnered with the Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday to personally deliver the items to shelters and individuals in the community.
Jessie Schartung, case management specialist and overseer of the Women’s Day Shelter at St. Benedict’s, emphasized the importance of the students’ efforts.
“It made such a big difference, especially with the day shelter crowd,” Schartung said. “A lot of them are staying at overnight shelters and have to get on the bus during the day. Some even sleep outside. I spoke to this group earlier in the winter about the need for blankets, and that’s what inspired them to put these bags together. This kind of support really brightens their day and shows them that people care.”
Schartung added that the timing was crucial, as temperatures were expected to drop this week, leaving many in urgent need of warmth.
Apollo junior Achilles Hibbitt, a member of the JAG program, shared how the project evolved.
“We were challenged to help the unhoused this year,” Hibbitt said. “We wanted to do something personal, so we came up with the idea of making tie blankets. Imagine feeling like you don’t have anybody, and then you get a handmade blanket from a student. I think that brings a lot of joy to the community.”
In addition to the blankets, the students filled day packs with hygiene products, snacks, and other essentials to provide comprehensive support.
Another Apollo junior, Khamya Malone, reflected on the personal significance of the project.
“It made me feel amazing because I know people really need help,” Malone said. “I’ve had family members who’ve been homeless and lived on the street with nothing, but they made it through. Giving people these items can help them survive and get through tough times.”
While their current focus was on supporting the homeless community, Malone said the JAG program plans to continue giving back to the broader community in the future.
