The Irving-based All Things Made New mentoring program recently partnered with Keep Irving Beautiful (KIB) to make and donate four no-sew blankets. A total of 17 youth program members and six adult mentors worked together to make the blankets—providing 23 hours of volunteer service. The blankets were donated to the Irving Independent School District’s Teenage Pregnant and Parenting Students Program (TAPPS), which provides support, counseling, education and other assistance to students who are pregnant, or who are parents.

KIB initiated the blanket project in 2016. Since then, it has grown in popularity with its volunteers—particularly among youth groups. In 2017, All Things Made New began participating with the More than Gold girls group and the Iron Roots boys group. Over the last two years, the volunteers have crafted 20 blankets.

“The project has helped raise awareness about the different organizations that exist to serve others in the Irving community,” said KIB board member Karen Harmon. “The volunteers enjoy the time spent making the blankets together, and donating them to a worthy cause brings a sense of belonging and community.”

Keep Irving Beautiful is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the community about litter abatement, recycling, and beautification to help preserve the health and promote the social and economic prosperity of the city. As an award-winning affiliate of Keep America Beautiful and Keep Texas Beautiful, Keep Irving Beautiful reaches out to all sectors of the community, including government, businesses, churches, as well as cultural, educational, neighborhood and civic organizations. For more information on KIB or to make an activity a green event, visit CityofIrving.org/284/Keep-Irving-Beautiful or call (972) 721-2175.