Join us on May 31st, 2026 for our first annual Amaia Alysse Edmond Day of Service in Lansing, Michigan.
We're going to be making comfort blankets for families of organ and tissue donors. These blankets are often placed over a donor during an honor walk and later given to the family as a lasting tribute. They serve as a reminder of a loved one’s generosity and the lives they helped save. The comfort blanket program is made possible thanks to the Michigan Donor Family Council.
You don't need to have blanket making experience to volunteer. We will have staff and expert volunteers available to support you.
FAMILY FRIENDLY
This event is family friendly. You are welcome to bring children with you. Generally, we ask that children younger than 12 years old be supported by an adult while they help with the blankets. There is a lot of cutting with adult scissors that needs to be consistent and precise. This can be a challenge for some children.
For most children under 8 years old, we encourage them to help us make dog and cat toys from the blanket scraps. These will be donated to a local animal shelter. We will have volunteers available to support children interested in helping with these crafts. (They are also welcome to make toys for their pets at home!)
This event will be open to the public, so we're hosting the sign up on our SignUpGenius page. Please follow the link below to sign up for a volunteer slot:
ARE YOU AN EXPERIENCED COMFORT BLANKET MAKER? WE NEED YOU!
We're expecting up to 192 unique volunteers throughout the day. If You're interested in being an Expert Blanket Making Volunteer, email Dani at dreisbig@golm.org. Let me know a bit about your experience and your availability to help for the day (10:00am--4:00pm).
LOCATION
UM Health—Sparrow Lansing Hospital Administrative Building
Conference Rooms C&D (on 2nd Floor)
1200 E Michigan Ave, Lansing, MI 48912
PARKING
Park in Ramp C and park on level 2. That will take you into the right level. There will be signage directing you to the correct room.
ACCESSIBILITY
The space is wheelchair accessible. We expect a large group, so it may become noisy in the room. If you have concerns about accessibility, please contact Dani Reisbig at dreisbig@golm.org or (734) 418-4674
ABOUT THE AMAIA ALYSEE EDMOND DAY OF SERVICE
Amaia Alysse Edmond was just 7 years old when she was killed during a home invasion in 2010. In the face of unimaginable loss, her family, including her father John Edmond, chose to give the gift of life. Amaia saved five lives through organ donation. John’s decision was guided by his faith and by Amaia’s own spirit. Even at a young age, she was known for wanting to help others. In the years since, he has connected with the people whose lives she saved and has become a dedicated advocate, speaking out against violence, building relationships between the community and law enforcement, and raising awareness about organ, eye and tissue donation.
Since 2022, May 31 has been recognized as Amaia Alysse Edmond Day in Lansing through a proclamation by the City Council and Mayor Andy Schor. In 2026, Mayor Schor will further honor her legacy by designating May 31 as Amaia Alysse Edmond Day of Service. Amaia’s compassion continues to inspire acts of kindness across the community. This day of service honors her life by encouraging others to give back in meaningful ways.
