Blanket Man Inspires Church Congregation

While many Mills County residents were ringing in the new year in the comfort and warmth of their own homes, a Glenwood man was roughing it in a tent outside Grace United Methodist Church (GUMC).   

Jeff Mitts spent New Year’s Eve camping in the tent to fulfill a promise he made to members of the church congregation for surpassing its “Blankets +” missions project fundraising goal.   

Blankets + provides materials and support to communities in need throughout the world – everything from blankets, tents, food and emergency disaster supplies, to vegetable seeds, tools, safe drinking water and literacy training.   

The program is supported by more than 8,000 church congregations and groups across the United States.   

In the weeks leading up to winter, Mitts addressed the Grace United Methodist Church congregation on numerous occasions to encourage financial support of the program. Often dressed in a Superman-style

“Blanket Man” cape, Mitts told the congregation he’d camp out on New Year’s Eve if the church reached its goal of raising $2,000 for Blankets +.   

“It’s a three-week thing where Blanket Man comes out and makes an appeal to the congregation,” Mitts said.   

Blanket Man apparently made a convincing impression as the congregation stepped up and contributed $2,300.   

Mitts said some contributors based their pledges on how cold the temperature would get on New Year’s Eve while others gave lump sum amounts. Mitts pitched his tent in an area between the church and parsonage and survived the sub-freezing temperatures with the aid of a sleeping bag and comforter.   

Mitts isn’t the first Blanket Man to make an appearance at the church. Former Glenwood Mayor Dyle Downing was the original blanket super hero.   

Because of Blanket Man’s most recent success, Mitts said he expects the congregation to request a return appearance next fall.

“I’m sure they’ll remind me of it next year,” Mitts said.    In addition to contributing to the Blankets + program, Mitts said the congregation is also a regular supporter of MOHM’s Place (Messenger of Hope Ministry) in Council Bluffs, a shelter for homeless and financially-struggling residents of southwest Iowa. This winter, nearly $500 has been raised at the church for the shelter.