Warm Hearts & Warm Blankets: Our Day with Fleece & Thank You
- mhoubeck
- Apr 7
- 4 min read
At OCG Companies, we believe that being a strong company isn’t just about the work we do—it’s about the impact we leave behind in the communities we serve. That’s why when we heard about Fleece & Thank You, we knew we had to get involved.
Fleece & Thank You is a Michigan-based nonprofit that provides colorful, comforting fleece blankets and personalized video messages to children in hospitals. Their mission is simple: offer warmth and encouragement during some of the hardest days a child and their family may ever face. As a company that prides itself on being hands-on and people-first, this initiative immediately resonated with our team.
What started as a volunteer opportunity quickly turned into something bigger—a day filled with laughter, teamwork, purpose, and a whole lot of fleece. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at our blanket-making day, why it mattered to our team, and what we learned in the process.
Getting Our Hands on the Fleece
As the day arrived, we converted our large meeting space into a full-on fleece studio. Tables were pushed together, scissors were handed out, and colorful piles of fleece were laid across every surface. The patterns were bright and cheerful—dogs, rainbows, cartoons, and hearts—each selected with the intent of bringing a smile to a child’s face.
One of the things that makes Fleece & Thank You unique is that their blanket kits are designed so anyone can help. You don’t need to know how to sew or have any crafting experience. All it takes is your hands, some scissors, and a little time. That meant everyone—from our President to our crew—was able to participate and contribute equally.
For many of us, this was our first time making a fleece-tie blanket. The process is simple but meditative: cut fringe along the edges, knot each pair, and before you know it, you’ve created something warm and comforting from scratch. There was something incredibly satisfying about watching a flat piece of fabric turn into something meaningful—something that would go directly into the hands of a child who needed it most.
Bringing the Team Together
One of the most beautiful things about the event was how it brought our team closer. Whether you work out in the field, behind a desk, or somewhere in between, this project reminded us that we’re all part of something bigger than ourselves.
We laughed, we told stories, we shared scissors and snacks, and we created something meaningful together. It was the kind of experience that reminded us of our company values in real time:
People first. Community always. Action with purpose.
These are the moments that help shape the culture of OCG—not just the projects we complete or the goals we meet, but the way we show up for each other and for our community.
Why It Matters
It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle of daily work—deadlines, deliverables, and to-do lists. But giving back grounds us. It helps us reconnect with why we do what we do, and who we’re really doing it for.
By partnering with Fleece & Thank You, we weren’t just checking a box for corporate social responsibility. We were actively contributing to the emotional well-being of children facing serious illness. For a child in a hospital, something as simple as a cozy blanket and a kind face can make all the difference.
Each blanket we made wasn’t just a gift. It was a lifeline of hope, a reminder that someone out there cares.
How You Can Get Involved
If our day with Fleece & Thank You inspired you, good. That’s the point. Because they’re always looking for more hands and more hearts to join their mission.
Here’s how you or your company can get involved:
Sponsor a Blanket Kit: Each kit comes with everything you need and helps cover the cost of delivery to hospitals.
Host a Blanket-Making Event: Whether it's in your office, your school, or your home, it's an easy and impactful way to give back.
Make a Donation: Every dollar helps them reach more kids and spread more warmth.
Visit fleeceandthankyou.org to learn more, get started, or make a donation.
Looking Ahead
At OCG, we’re committed to making community involvement a regular part of our company culture. Our day with Fleece & Thank You was just one example of what’s possible when we roll up our sleeves and take action—not just as professionals, but as people.
We’re already looking forward to our next volunteer event, and we encourage our partners, vendors, and clients to join us in finding creative ways to give back. Whether it’s making blankets, planting trees, or lending a hand at a local shelter, every small act adds up to something powerful.
To our team: Thank you for showing up with heart, creativity, and kindness. You make us proud every day—not just in what you do, but in who you are.
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