From the Volleyball Court to the Heart: Pickerington North Student-Athletes Wrap Families in CARE

Pickerington High School North’s Girls Volleyball Student-Athletes Bring Comfort Through Community Service Blanket Project

When Pickerington High School North's (PHSN) Girls Volleyball student-athletes came together this year for their annual community service project, they chose a cause that speaks directly to the heart. Partnering with OhioHealth Pickerington Methodist Hospital, the team created and donated blankets for mothers experiencing the loss of a child through stillbirth—an act of compassion that carried profound meaning for both the givers and recipients.

The idea was brought forward by Jessie Groves-Tincher, a 2015 Pickerington North graduate, former player, coach, and Labor & Delivery RN at OhioHealth Pickerington Methodist Hospital, who knew about the team’s tradition of giving back each year. Grovers-Tincher  connected the Pickerington High School North Volleyball (PNVB) program with the hospital, which was in need of donations for this tender and deeply important cause.

“For mothers experiencing loss, these handmade blankets serve as a way to wrap their babies with love and dignity, offering a moment of peace amid heartbreak. They also become cherished keepsakes, symbols of a bond that will never be broken,” said Groves-Tincher.

“The simple act of giving a blanket is more than just a gift of warmth—it provides solace during an unimaginably difficult time,” said PHSN Social Studies Teacher and Head Girl’s Volleyball Coach April Boudreau. 

As one organizer shared, “This was our community’s way of saying, ‘We see your pain, and we are holding you in our hearts.’ These blankets help ensure that no mother feels alone in her grief.”

For the PNVB student-athletes involved, the blanket project was just as transformative. The players  expressed how meaningful it was to contribute something lasting and impactful.

 “The process showed us how blessed we are and allowed us to bless others,” said PHSN Senior Addie Gosche. “The blankets are to provide warmth and love to help these mothers through what they are going through. It makes me happy knowing our little act of kindness can change some of their lives.”

This was meaningful because we got the opportunity to do something to help people who are going through horrible heartbreak,” said PHSN Junior Maddison Smith. “The blankets represent the warmth and comfort these families need throughout their grieving process.”

“This whole process was meaningful because we got to do something for families who lost everything,” said Junior Rasherly Caceres. “We made the blankets with much love and thought to provide comfort during this difficult time.”

In response to the students’ efforts, nurses from Pickerington Methodist Hospital expressed deep gratitude:

“Your kindness and compassion are truly a gift. These blankets are more than just fabric; they are a symbol of hope and community.”  

“They remind us that even in the darkest moments, there is a network of support surrounding these families.”

 “ Your efforts will not only comfort them but also show them that their sorrow is seen and shared.”

This project served as a powerful reminder that the influence of student-athletes extends far beyond what happens on the field, court, or track. Through service, they discovered that true strength is not just physical—it is rooted in character, empathy, and the willingness to lift others in times of need.

“By creating these blankets, they gave a gift of compassion that will be long remembered,” added Groves-Tincher. “In doing so, they demonstrated what it means to be part of a community: to use one’s hands, heart, and teamwork to bring hope where it is needed most.”