Who We Are
Blankets of Hope
Blankets of Hope, Inc. (BOH) was founded by Marc Goldstein in December of 2011 upon reading an article in the local newspaper citing the level of poverty in the City of Reading, and also an uplifting piece on a Secret Santa gifting money to those less fortunate. The third puzzle piece came when one of Goldstein’s customers bought a blanket as an employee holiday gift. The three triggers were food for thought: how could Goldstein, as a small business owner at that time, help the community?
After reaching out to various Berks agencies, Goldstein connected with Sharon Parker of the Berks Coalition to End Homelessness. From there, Parker linked him to five Berks shelters, the originating recipients of Blankets of Hope: Opportunity House, Hope Rescue Mission, Mary’s Shelter, YMCA of Reading & Berks County, and Berks Counseling Center.
In January 2012, BOH became a nonprofit corporation & in 2014, BOH received its 501(c)(3) status. In the organization’s first two years, 2,000+ blankets were donated to the five recipient shelters through the help of private and corporate sector donations.
In 2016, Chef Tim’s Take the Chill-Off event grew BOH’s mission further. For every delicious bowl of chili made by Chef Tim Twiford (Executive Chef and Director of Foodservice for Redner’s Markets) sold for $5, a blanket was ordered for someone in need. The first year saw enough raised for 1,100 blankets. In 2017, that number was up to 1,450. Most recently, 2019 saw 2.5 tons of chili cooked up for the 4th annual event, netting more than $22,000 used to purchase blankets, and towards Blanket of Hope’s newest effort, its bed program, which kicked off in July of 2019 with the help of Fecera’s Furniture.
How Does It Work?
Blankets of Hope Bed Program
We do not warehouse our blankets or beds, which eliminates overhead costs. For example, when you donate $100, we can ship 15 blankets directly to the organization in need. The process is quick and efficient. Recipients typically have their blankets in hand in about 2-3 days. We only accept monetary donations and can make an immediate impact.
Cost Breakdown
Beds: $175 for a twin mattress and box spring set. 1 free bed is donated by the manufacturer for every 10 purchased, lowering our cost to $160.00.
50″ x 60″ Blanket: $6.50 each
60″ x 90″ Blanket: $13.50 each
Pillows: $5 – $6 each
Twin Sheet Sets w/ Pillow Case: $10 – $13
Mattress Covers: $10 – $15 each
EVERY penny donated to Blankets of Hope is used to purchase blankets, beds, and bedding for those in need. After all, every person deserves to feel Secure, to be Warm, and to have HOPE!
Blankets Donated Since Dec. 2011
Twin Mattress & Box Springs Donated Since 2019
Pairs of Socks Donated Since Dec. 2011
Disposable Masks Donated Since the Start of the Pandemic
Beneficiaries
Who Do We Help?
Every person deserves to feel Secure, to be Warm, and to have HOPE! Blankets of Hope is a public charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Some of the Organizations We Help.
- Opportunity House
- Hope Rescue Mission
- Mary’s Shelter
- Berks Counseling Center
- YMCA of Reading & Berks County
- Berks Coalition to End Homelessness
- City Lights Ministries
- The Children’s Home of Reading
- Bethany Children’s Home
- CHoP—Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
- Safe BERKS
- Olivets Boys & Girls Club
- Comfort Cases
Board Members
Marc J. Goldstein
Founder & President
George Reinoehl
Treasurer
Michael D. Dautrich
Co-Founder & Secretary
Randy Boyer
Co-Founder & Board Member
Jeff Motze
Board Member
Don Rebholz
Board Member
Jason Arnold
Board Member
Edwin Yoder
Board Member
Marcie L. Miller
Board Member
Fundraising
9th Annual Chef Tim’s “Take the Chill Off”
Presented by Redner’s Markets · Saturday, February 10th (Saturday before the Big Game)
Contact Us
Donations Can Be Mailed To:
Blankets of Hope, Inc.
PO Box 3617
Reading, PA 19606
Additional Information
Call: (610) 223-8085
Email: blanketsofhopepa@gmail.com