This winter, members of the Cheyenne & Arapaho Youth Council (CAYC) launched a heartwarming initiative aimed at supporting elders across their tribal communities. Titled “Share the Warmth: Blankets for Elders,” the project brought together 40 youth who organized a blanket drive that not only met a practical need but also strengthened intergenerational bonds and uplifted community spirit.
Throughout December, tribal youth donated blankets at CAYC events and set up collection boxes at tribal buildings. Once gathered, they personally delivered the items—along with crossword puzzles and kind words—to elders in nursing homes and in their homes throughout C&A tribal communities.
The initiative, focused on mental wellness, was about more than warmth. These short visits offered elders companionship, recognition, and the comfort of knowing they are valued and remembered—especially during the colder, often isolating months.
Thanks to the generosity and planning of CAYC members, enough blankets remained for a second round of deliveries in January 2025, just in time to support elders ahead of the ice storms and arctic freeze that hit the region.
“Share the Warmth” is a shining example of youth-led service grounded in empathy, respect, and community responsibility. The CAYC youth showed that caring for elders isn’t just a tradition—it’s a way of life.