"Nothing gives you that comfort, that safety, and that warmth more than a blanket," said Mrs. Briana Leschen.
Leschen teaches elective courses to middle school students at the Community School of Naples.
Recently, a relatively new hobby at home made its way into her class curriculum.
"I learned how to make these blankets during COVID-19," said Leschen. "I saw how lonely people were and how disconnected from community they felt."
Mrs. Leschen taught her students how to knit blankets that they donated to patients at NCH Hospital's pediatric unit.
"Not only did they learn how to do the blankets, but we were able to progress onto other stitches," said Leschen.
"It was really relaxing to do it," said 13-year-old McKayla, a student in Leschens class. "It was just like, peaceful."
For McKayla and other students, there was purpose behind every stitch.
"We want to give it to a kid who needed it more than we did," said McKayla. "We know that like, whatever you're going through, this can be your support with it."
In every hospital, there may be some dark moments, but moments like these are full of color.
"Any time you're giving back to others, you can't help but feel connected and invested in your community," said Leschen. "In every opportunity like this that they experience, they're becoming more well-rounded, better versions of themselves. That's rewarding for me."