DALLAS, Texas - Sixth graders from Heritage Christian Academy in Rockwall visited Texans on Mission this week to deliver nearly 30 handmade blankets 
to families in need.
Instead of holding a traditional Thanksgiving party, the students gathered to cut and tie fleece blankets as a service project. Teacher Lynn Westmoreland, who has led the effort for 13 years, said the work teaches students the value of serving others.
“We talk to them about this being a labor of love,” Westmoreland said. “By the time we’re finished, their backs hurt and their hands hurt, but that’s what an act of service is. It’s giving your time and energy for others.”
Westmoreland said the project has created lasting connections for students, who often recognize Texans on Mission in news coverage years later. Some even ask about volunteer opportunities at Texans on Mission beyond the classroom.
Savion Lee, Royal Ambassadors coordinator with Texans on Mission, said the visit helps students understand how their skills can make a difference.
“Bringing kids this young to learn about how volunteers love and serve their neighbors helps them see there are all sorts of ways to serve,” Lee said. “And 
that it's local and opportunities are always near and available. It also shows them they don't have to wait until they're older to be able to serve others. They can begin right where they are.”
Westmoreland echoed Lee’s sentiment, “I think they're seeing that there's so many different opportunities that they can do. It's not just, I'm going on a mission trip through my church; it's our community. It's everywhere.”
The blankets will be delivered to families in the Rio Grande Valley as part of the Texans On Missions’ annual Christmas outreach.
Plan a Hands-On Mission Project
In a world of hurting people, every Christ follower is called to be on mission with God each day.
In an hour, a day or few days, you can have a tangible impact by using your gifts and talents for God's purpose. Every person has a role in God's kingdom, and Texans on Mission wants to help you find it today. As a Texans on Mission volunteer, you can deliver help, hope and healing to people who desperately need it.
Serve after disasters
By volunteering for a day, you are directly delivering help, hope and healing to people after disasters. Whether you're clearing debris, cleaning out a house or praying with a homeowner, you will transform a life. Click here to learn more.
Provide First Step Kits for people in crisis
Every journey out of dark days starts with a first step. By putting together First Step Kits – hygiene kits for people in crisis – you can meet basic needs for people who don't know where to turn for help or hope. When Texans on Mission volunteers distribute First Step Kits, they provide a place for both. Click here to learn more.
Send Messages of Hope to people who have been through disasters
When a disaster strikes, people don't know where to turn for help. They don't know who to trust. When a Texans on Mission volunteer connects with them for the first time with a Message of Hope crafted by you, hope sprouts fresh. Find out how you can radically change a life with a simple piece of paper. Click here to learn more.
Create Gospel bracelets to help share the salvation message around the world.
In northern Uganda and beyond, Texans on Mission seeks to provide everyone with access to clean water and the gospel. You can make a Gold-to-Gold Gospel Bracelet to be worn to share the Gospel around the world. Perfect for your small group, Bible study or youth groups, each Gold-to-Gold Gospel Bracelet you create will share the redemption story of Jesus Christ with everyone who sees it. Click here to learn more.
Donate supplies for people to use after disasters.
When a disaster strikes, people have often lost everything, including items they'd typically have to begin cleaning up. You can jump start the recovery process for someone by providing these items through Texans on Mission Disaster Relief. Click here to learn more.