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SALT LAKE CITY -- An 11-year-old Utah County girl is making a difference in the recovery of kids at Shriners Hospital where she herself was once a patient.
When Michaela Winterton was 9 years old she underwent surgery at the children's hospital. She was given a blanket -- something soft to comfort her.
"They go to the kids who have surgery," Michaela explained. "Just something to hold onto."
When she was feeling better Michaela decided she wanted to give back to the hospital and help kids like her. She cut, tied and fringed 10 fleece blankets all on her own.
That wasn't the end of the project. She had bigger plans.
"The next year I (said) I want to give them 100 blankets, and my parents said, ‘We can't do that, it's too hard,'" Michaela said. But she wasn't giving up. "So I said, ‘Let's try.'"
Just after her 10th birthday, Michaela came through. A nurse told her the 100 blankets she worked to make and donate were enough to give one blanket to every child for an entire month.
Instead of being satisfied by that news, Michaela was shocked they'd go so quickly.
"I wanted to try and see if we could do better," she said.
Now Michaela has a new goal: 200 blankets by her 12th birthday.
If you'd like to help, supply donations are accepted at Hinckley Dodge at 2309 S. State in Salt Lake City. Ask for Swayne. Financial donations can be made at any America First Credit Union branch under the fund name "Quarters for Quilts."
"I think some kids kind of come that way: I think they're hardwired for service," said Michaela's mother Kristen Winterton.
So the blanket operation continues. Kristen waits until fabrics go on sale and she has enough money to buy enough for 10 more. A little bit at a time adds up.
Michaela has inspired her family, friends and fellow church members, who are now all blanket recruits.
"Everybody can make a difference in somebody else's life," she said.
Michaela's 12th birthday -- and the end date for this project -- is in September. So far they've got about 80 of the 200 blankets tied and ready to go. No doubt the remaining 120 aren't far behind.
If you'd like to get involved, you can donate supplies or money. Supply donations are accepted at Hinckley Dodge at 2309 S. State in Salt Lake City. Ask for Swayne. Financial donations can be made at any America First Credit Union branch under the fund name "Quarters for Quilts."
E-mail: sdallof@ksl.com
