SPHS Interact Club warms ISP with blanket donation

The South Putnam High School Interact Club recently donated a dozen handmade blankets to the Indiana State Police as part of one of its community service projects. Present for the donation was (front, left) Ashley Schroer, Angel Nield, Dartagnan Neudeck, Ashley Owens, Cora Neudeck. faculty adviser Elaine Bye (middle, left), Elizabeth Bunton, Audrey Neudeck, Allison Bunton, Jessica Jones, Michaela Scales Tyler Boyce, Sgt. Cory Robinson (back, left), Tyler Neumann, Katie Hansel, Deborah Cheatham, Nick Chambers, Maddison Plunkett, Grady McHugh, Trooper Mike Wood and Trooper Yan Dravigne.

Looking to give to those in need, the South Putnam High School Interact Club recently donated a dozen handmade blankets to the Indiana State Police Putnamville Post for troopers to carry in their vehicles.

The Interact Club, which a youth version of Rotary, is required to complete two community service projects a year. With its members looking for a way to help children in need, the students came up with the idea of creating blankets last spring to be used by those that law enforcement may come across during traumatic events.

"This project was a great way for our students to give back to their community," faculty adviser Elaine Bye explained. "These blankets can be in the police cars so when there is an emergency, like an accident or a fire with a child involved, they can be distributed to give children warmth and comfort."

As its second community service project of the year, students worked on the blankets both before school hours and during their study hall periods.

The Interact Club, which has nearly 30 members, decided on the idea last spring, but chose to put the project on hold to wait for the colder months of the year. Bye noted that even though students were only able to complete a dozen fleece no-sew blankets due to cost, she is hoping the Interact Club will maintain its relationship with law enforcement and provide more blankets in upcoming years.

"The blankets will allow troopers to provide a bright spot for children during a stressful and frightening time," ISP Sgt. Cory Robinson said. "We are very thankful the Interact Club had the foresight to provide such a valuable donation."

Robinson noted that troopers will likely receive two blankets per vehicle with all of the them staying in Putnam County.

Those interested in donating to the Interact Club may contact Bye at ebye@sputnam.k12.in.us.