As the weather turns colder, one local teacher is making it her mission to ensure every child in her classroom stays warm this winter.

Midvale Elementary second-grade teacher Amanda Kraft has begun collecting new and gently used blankets for her students. She’s also reaching out to the community for additional donations to help meet the basic need for comfort and warmth.

“Whether it's one blanket or 20, every donation makes a difference,” she said. “What I’d really like to do is to provide blankets to all the second grade (about 130 students), or actually the entire school.”

This marks the sixth year Kraft has organized the blanket drive. In previous years, she provided blankets for her fourth-grade students and others in need throughout the school.

Donations are being accepted now through Dec. 18. Community members can drop off blankets at the school office, 7830 S. Chapel St., between 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on weekdays. For additional information, Kraft can be contacted at [email protected]. She welcomes all blanket sizes but requests they be clean and in good condition.

Once the donations are gathered, Kraft plans to distribute them to students ahead of winter break along with a special seasonal treat of hot chocolate and candy canes.

“That way they have it at home, the hot chocolate will keep them warm all night and they can snuggle up in their blanket. It was a tradition I had when I was little, to drink hot chocolate with a candy cane, so I want to do that for these kids,” she said.

Kraft recalls her own upbringing. Growing up, her family struggled financially, and staying warm during winter was a challenge.

“I remember my family had to make painful choices between keeping the heat on and eating and I don't want children to have to think about that because it's frightening. I've lived this life they're living, so I understand it. I want them to always know there's hope,” she said. “So, having that blanket will keep that child a little warmer and the parents might be able to turn the thermostat down. That extra degree or two might be the difference of affording a gallon of milk.”

Through the years, Kraft has seen the impact of the gifts firsthand. Some students are so attached to their new blankets they bring them back to school after break to use during class.

“I want these kids to know their community cares,” Kraft said. “I ask people to put yourself in the shoes of a child who might be cold and think about what it would feel like to get that blanket. Then put yourself back in your shoes. How would it feel to be the person who made that child feel that?”