Blanket America sets Goal of One Million Blankets

Blanket America is a new charity formed in 2009 with the goal in mind of helping one million needy Americans get a warm fleece blanket. Since the recession began in 2008, many Americans have been involuntarily plunged into poverty. It is estimated that in 2009 more than 35 million Americans were living in poverty. During President Barak Obama's inaugural address on January 20^th, 2009 he called the nation to action. He also highlighted that "We know our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness."

In his Manhattan office, Mesh Gelman and his crew watched the inaugural address. When these words were spoken, an idea formed. Being a designer, Gelman latched on to the words patchwork heritage. In the coming months the Patchwork Heritage quilt was born. During this creative process, Gelman and his crew asked themselves, "What if the greatest economy in human history matched what it consumed with what it donated?" Gelman and his team soon came up with a way to make that concept a reality. They created a new and innovative way to give and receive: Buy one, Give one. In a nut shell, Blanket America will donate a new fleece blanket for every Patchwork Heritage quilt sold.

The design of the Patchwork Heritage quilt and its subsequent accent pieces combine to create a collection which is inspirational, patriotic and attractive. President Barak Obama's call to action and patchwork heritage quote is highlighted as part of the entire presidential inaugural address printed on the back of the quilt. The face of the quilt is an eye catching combination of red, white and blue patchwork blocks sewn together in a traditional patchwork design. Each of the thirteen different fabrics represents one of the thirteen original colonies.

The decorative pillow shams compliment the quilt to perfection. The same patchwork design that graces the face of the quilt also graces the shams. The decorative throw pillows are an awesome accent piece, stating in graceful print that "we know our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness." Two American flags and the American Bald Eagle in flight also grace the pillows.

It's no surprise that when Mesh Gelman appeared on the Today Show to help kick off the project with style that pre-orders rose exponentially. The Today Show and Gelman used their platform to promote the Blanket America project and to highlight the growing poverty problem in America. Hopes are high that Blanket America can reach and surpass its projected goal of one million blankets donated to charity.