Back in 2007, a group of Disney castmembers would meet once a week to knit caps for soldiers that were serving overseas. In the past 5 years, the group has grown into a larger organization that calls themselves the BlanketEARS.





Kelly Ann Antalek, a castmember at Walt Disney World was inspired to create a BlanektEARS group in Florida after learning there was a similar group in California. She then discovered that there were many local organizations in the area that would take the knitted items.

Kelly Ann Antalek says, "My motivation is simple. The more I crochet, the more I can donate to people in need."

Now meeting once a month to learn new skills such as a new stich or pattern or even learning to quilt, they have expanded into baby caps, afghans and pet mats.

This past holiday season, the BlanketEARS spread pixie dust around by delivering more than 150 caps and blankets to Orlando area hospitals.

Alexsandra Rosello, a coordinator at the Florida Hospital Cancer Institute says, "The thought of someone personally creating items makes patients feel cared for and blessed. It means a lot because the Disney BlanketEARs took the time to make something that can bring joy and comfort."

The BlanketEARs look forward to reaching out to more charities that are in need of assistance and also hope to include wheelchair totes and scarves among their donations in the future.

I love that there is an organization like this and that the Walt Disney World Company is supporting them!

What do you think of the BlanketEARS? Would you participate if you were a Cast Member? Leave me a comment and let me know!

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