With winter comes the holiday season. It’s a joyous time all-round with families getting together to celebrate the holidays, kids frolicking in the snow, and Christmas decorations everywhere we turn.
However, not everyone will have the best winter this coming year, more so those who don’t have a roof over their heads or anything warm to shield themselves from the extreme cold.
Homeless people go through a lot during winter, and many of them succumb to the freezing temperatures every year. Even though winter lasts for about three months, the cold and gloom of these grueling weeks can make it seem like forever.
Since it’s the season of giving, why not donate a winter blanket for the homeless. Winter blankets are designed to insulate the body and usually help conserve body heat. So, whether a homeless person is sleeping in their car, tent, or temporary shelter, they’re guaranteed to get a comfortable good night’s sleep.
But what type of blanket is best suited for winter? Let’s take a look at seven winter blankets you should consider buying for the homeless in your community.
1. Wool Blanket
Wool blankets are classic winter blankets. They are extremely warm, heavy-duty, and wicks out moisture from within. All these are good characteristics to consider when you’re picking out a blanket that can withstand the fiercest winter nights.
What makes wool blankets even better is that they’re all-purpose. Wool basically adapts to changing temperatures and is easily breathable. That means you don’t have to tuck it away after winter. It can serve as an everyday blanket as well, more so on windy or mildly cold nights.
On the downside, some people’s skins react to wool. If you find that you itch when you cover yourself with a wool blanket, you might want to consider fleece or one of the other five blankets covered in this article.
2. Fleece Blanket
If you’re allergic to wool or already have a wool blanket and are looking for something different that can still provide warmth, a fleece blanket would be an ideal alternative.
Fleece is preferred for its soft and comfy feel. It’s also less weighty as compared to wool but still provides incredible warmth. Another positive about fleece is its moisture-wicking feature, which means that it transfers sweat to the outer surface to keep the interior dry. This will help the homeless remain dry and warm throughout the cold winter night.
Like wool, there are lots of fleece blanket designs and options in the market.
3. Down Fill Blanket
Another good blanket you can consider buying as you prepare for the coming winter is a down fill blanket. Down fill, which is essentially down feathers stitched or quilted together, is a lightweight material that actually delivers a good amount of warmth.
It is usually used to make comforters and blankets varying in thickness. So, a down blanket or comforter usually has a cotton or synthetic exterior, with the warm down filling inside. Note that down blankets are a bit more expensive compared to cotton or wool blankets.
4. Chunky Cable Knit Blanket
Given its soft nature and breathability, the chunky cable knit blanket will certainly be a big cause for joy to the homeless. It’s the perfect item to own, more so in the winter because it warms up easily.
This Scandinavian-inspired blanket looks luxe, and unlike a heated blanket, it has airy, open-weave patterns that allow you to snuggle without feeling too stifled.
Chunky cable knit blankets come in different colors, patterns, and sizes, allowing you to pick the one you feel is right. When it comes to maintenance, these covers are pretty easy to manage. Just take them to the dry cleaners from time to time, and they’ll provide good service for a long time.
5. Sherpa Blanket
Sherpa blankets use a special lightweight synthetic material with two unique sides. One side is made of smooth flannel, while the other one provides the snug of fuzzy fleece.
These covers are a top choice among many for keeping warm during chilly days or nights. So, rest assured they make an excellent purchase for the winter. They are also easy to maintain in the long term, which means you get great value for your purchase.
6. Vellux Blanket
This kind of blanket is made from two layers of polyurethane foam bonded with soft nylon fibers to create a warm, durable cover that can be machine washed countless times without pilling or shrinking.
These blankets are sufficiently warm without the need for extra layering, but if there’s a need, you can always layer them under your comforter for extra warmth.
But perhaps the most impressive thing about vellux covers is that they get better with age. How so? They have a uniquely soft, plush-like texture that gets even softer with every wash. Great, right?
7. Electric Blanket
Also known as heated blankets, this type of blanket is made of synthetic material and houses an electric heating element you can plug into a power source like your car’s cigarette lighter.
It’s an excellent item to have in the winter to keep warm since you can regulate the temperature to your liking. You also don’t need to keep it plugged in all night. Once you feel warm enough, you can just unplug and use the accumulated heat for hours.
A Warm Act of Kindness Can Go a Long Way
It’s undoubtedly going to be cold, but winter doesn’t have to be so bad for the less fortunate in your community. One of the best ways to help the homeless prepare for the freezing temperatures is to help them acquire a winter blanket.
If you do not know where to start, we’ve highlighted seven of the best types you can consider buying or donating. It’s never too early to start gearing up for winter, so try and avoid the last-minute rush in case they prove a bit harder to find later on.
