OUZ nursing students donate more than 150 blankets

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – Local college students have collected more than 150 blankets for those in need during a friendly competition at Ohio University Zanesville (OUZ).

The nursing program at OUZ took part in the 31st Annual Good Samaritan Blanket Drive with a competitive twist between the students in the two-year program versus those in the four-year program to see who could bring in the most blankets which were delivered to Eastside Community Ministry.

“You would start to see that momentum of competition and them coming in and just dropping their items off. Are they camera shy? Yes, but they’re eager to participate so that that’s great,” said Teresa Polen, an assistant professor at OUZ. “They all came together and for a great cause. We got to keep this community warm. ”

The students in the four-year program came out on top and will start the spring semester with a pancake party as their prize. For students like Erica Kettler, the feeling of giving back to the community and seeing students give what they could was also a rewarding experience.

“I’m a second-career student so I’m a lot older than everybody else but it was really nice to see people who, maybe the younger students don’t have as much to give, but they all still gave what they could which is really encouraging,” Kettler said.

Those blankets will be available for those in need at Eastside Community Ministry’s clothing bank located at 218 Stillwell Street in Zanesville. The clothing bank is also accepting donations clothing, shoes, blankets, small household items and toiletries.