For years, the Chapel Hill Police Department has relied on donated rolled blankets to pass out to unsheltered people, or those who find themselves in traumatic situations. But this year, their blanket supply is running low.
Officers keep the blankets in their cars to hand out when they come in contact with the homeless or when they’re responding to trauma situations like car accidents.
“They provide security, warmth and comfort when folks are in need,” said Sarah Furman, a crisis counselor at the Chapel Hill Police Department.
People had made donations to the department in the past, but the blanket supply recently started running thin, prompting police to ask for contributions through Facebook. Furman said the community has responded well.
“People in the community were wondering how they could give back, and this is a great way to do that,” Furman said. The department set up a box in front of the station’s lobby area and is asking for new, still-wrapped blankets.
North Carolina Hillel, a foundation for Jewish campus life, also contributed to the donations. The Hillel center knitted a bag of hats and socks for the police department to hand out, said Sgt. Allison Finch, an officer for the Chapel Hill Police Department.
Finch has been passing out blankets, hats and socks to unsheltered people in Chapel Hill for over 16 years.
“It’s really kind of fun. When you first approach people, there is a lot of suspicion because people usually expect bad news from the police. It’s nice to see the change on their face when you explain to them what you’re doing, and that you just want to help them,” she said.
Finch has witnessed a few memorable reactions while handing out blankets, including one man who started to cry.
