Photo: (Facebook.com/SashasSofties)
The Jefferson Awards honor people doing amazing public service, and one of the recipients is 18-year-old Sasha Edwards, who was diagnosed with leukemia when she was 13. Since then she's started Sasha's Softies to give blankets to young hospital patients.
Sasha knows what a difference gifts like these can make for children undergoing medical treatment, and she also wanted to give back to the hospital that healed her. You can get involved with Sasha's Softies by donating supplies or blankets, and Sasha also recommends giving gifts to kids at your local hospital. MTV Act spoke to the Jefferson Award recipient to learn more about what inspires her and the importance of giving back.
ACT: What inspired you to start making blankets?
SASHA: When I was 13, I was diagnosed with leukemia. It was around Christmastime when I was in the hospital and received many gifts, like blankets, toys, stuffed animals. A couple years later I wanted to give back to the hospital that saved my life, and I remembered enjoying the blankets. So I was pretty sure that if I enjoyed the blankets, other kids would. So I wanted to do that to give back to the hospital.
ACT: Can people get involved with Sasha's Softies?
SASHA: People can donate fleece blankets. Volunteer. Come to my blanket-making parties and help make blankets. I have a Facebook page, Sasha's Softies, for people to reach me.
ACT: What's the most rewarding part about making blankets for children?
SASHA: Knowing I'm brightening their day when they're having probably a really rough one. I know I felt really sad in the hospital, so I know they're going to be happy when they receive a nice, cuddly blanket.
ACT: How did you learn you were a Jefferson Awards recipient?
SASHA: I got a call from a person who works at our newspaper and they told me that I won it. It was really exciting. My mom knew before me and she couldn't tell me.
ACT: In what other ways can people help brighten the days of kids in treatment?
SASHA: All they have to do is donate. They can donate toys, stuffed animals, anything to the hospital, because they'll give them to the kids. Or they can send cards to them. Anything. They just have to contact someone at their local hospital.
ACT: Any advice for other young people who want to start their own org?
SASHA: All it takes is an idea and determination. First, you have to start small. You need to get involved with your community and reach out to people. Get your friends and family to help you out. And just keep working. Eventually you'll get it.
ACT: How do you have time to do it all?
SASHA: I did this when I was in high school. I worked in the evenings and on weekends. It might be a little more difficult because I'm going to be a freshman in college this year. So I'll have to work around my schedule and figure out when I can. I find time no matter what because I love doing it.
