KSU at Trumbull Students Make Blankets for Cancer Patients

WARREN, Ohio – Kent State University at Trumbull students are providing some support for local cancer patients.

The Honors College teamed up with the English Club and SEEDS Bible Club for a program called “Making Hearts Warm.” Students made and donated nearly 30 blankets to Rock4Reason, a local organization that helps families in the Mahoning Valley impacted by cancer and terminal illness. 

The blankets were presented to Rock4Reason co-founder Frank Lindsay and board member Janelle Lewis earlier this month. Each blanket will be given to a local cancer patient undergoing chemotherapy treatments.

“Every year, we donate 50 care bags to local Hope Centers in Warren and Boardman,” Lindsay said. “These blankets will be perfect for helping patients stay warm while undergoing treatment.”

Laurie Hines, Honors College coordinator and assistant professor of educational psychology and foundations, and Gary Ciuba, professor of English, rallied students to complete the project after talking with Lindsay, who is Kent State at Trumbull’s manager of information technology.

“Students really ran with this and put together these blankets with tremendous care,” Hines said. “Our work was made much easier by JoAnn Fabrics in Boardman, who donated the materials for this worthwhile endeavor.”

Marissa LeMasters, Honors Program council president who is double-majoring in psychology and business, enjoyed the enthusiasm shared by the students. 

“All of the students enjoyed working with and meeting one another throughout this project,” LeMasters said. “It’s a great way to take a brief break from studies and join forces to give back to people in need in our community.”

Pictured at top: From left, Bill Ayres, KSU at Trumbull dean; Marissa Lemasters, Honors Program council president; Frank Lindsay, Rock4Reason co-founder; Janelle Lewis, Rock4Reason board member; and Elizabeth Putnam, KSU at Trumbull student.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.