Pikes Peak Hospice and Palliative Care reached out the local community with an ambitious request in early January.

The Pikes Peak region’s only nonprofit hospice asked for donations of up to 100 new, handmade lap blankets for its veteran patients by March 2.

“We realize this is an ambitious goal,” Susan Edmondson, executive director of the Pikes Peak Hospice Foundation, told The Gazette in January. “But we definitely have a need to support our veteran patients. We would like to start off the new year with a fresh supply.”

The community has answered the call – and then some.

More than 150 red, white and blue blankets have been donated, with more donations still arriving, officials said.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by this incredible response,” said Sonya Bergeron, veteran liaison with Pikes Peak Hospice.

Last year, PPHPC served 458 veteran patients, representing nearly 25% of all hospice patients served by the organization. The hospice performed 125 “bedside salutes” and pinning ceremonies, including the gift of a handmade red, white and blue blanket, sewn or crocheted by a volunteer.

“The ceremony, and the presentation of the blanket, is a way to honor and uplift that person’s decision to serve their country,” Bergeron said. 

During the campaign, knitted and crocheted blankets and quilts came in from social craft clubs, as well as individuals looking to do something meaningful with their knitting skills. More than 80 individual donors participated, officials said. Several other donors purchased fleece blankets through PPHPC’s Amazon wish list.

“Clearly, our community loves our veterans, and they appreciate the vital role of Pikes Peak Hospice in serving patients at this tender time,” Bergeron said.

March 2 may have marked the end of the campaign, but the hospice accepts blanket donations year-round, Edmondson said. Interested donors or volunteers are asked to email VolunteerServices@PikesPeakHospice.org.