Hoping to make the upcoming holiday season a bright and happy one for students in need, the San Ysidro School District is encouraging generous and compassionate community members to help collect or donate new blankets for SYSD students as part of “Project Dream.”

The District wants to give children who may be living in foster care or homeless shelters a special gift to show that they have a significant place in their community, and to keep them warm during the winter months.

“The San Ysidro School District is committed to supporting all of our students, especially those in need,” SYSD Superintendent Dr. Julio Fonseca said. “Whatever their domestic situation is, these blankets will always be with our children and provide them the opportunity to dream.”

Blanket materials must be new, odor-free, machine washable, durable, hypo-allergenic and fire retardant. Child-friendly colors and designs are encouraged, with no embellishments that could pose a choking or strangulation hazard, such as buttons, strings and tassels.

“The Project Dream blanket drive offers the entire San Ysidro community with an opportunity to get involved and positively impact our students,” said Veronica Medina, SYSD Student and Family Services Manager and coordinator of the drive. “In order to accomplish the goal of collecting 3,000 blankets this season, we need the support of our community partners and leaders to help make dreams come true to ensure our children
sleep warm at night.”

Blankets are needed in all sizes, including very small ones for babies who were born prematurely. These blankets – preferably the minimum size of 24” x 24” – must be 100 percent cotton fabric top with flannel backing, no batting, minimal quilting and no ties. They can only be sewn, not knitted or crocheted.

All other sizes – 36” x 36” (infant size); 36” x 44” (child size); 40” x 60” (teen size); 50” x 60” (teen/adult size) – are encouraged.

The District is encouraging those who wish to help consider organizing collection drives, host blanket-making parties or contact family, friends, employees, charity groups or churches for additional donations.

“The impact of one simple act of kindness can reverberate across an entire lifetime,” SYSD Board of Education President Antonio Martinez said. “To the good people of San Ysidro, we ask for this gift of warmth and security, a gift that will be cherished for years to come.”

Blanket donations will be accepted from October 1 through November 23. For additional information, please contact Veronica Medina via phone: (619) 428-4476 ext. 3083 or email: vmedina@sysd.k12.ca.us.