LI High Schooler Makes "Bundles of Love" for Hospitalized Kids

This month 17-year-old Emily DiCeglio made a special delivery to Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), which has an Outpatient Center in the Omni Professional Building off Hempstead Turnpike in Uniondale. Emily brought 26 cozy, handmade blankets for young patients at the Lerner Children’s Pavilion at HSS in Manhattan.

In March, Emily decided she wanted to do something for hospitalized children. She started a nonprofit organization called “Bundles of Love” and started making soft, colorful blankets to provide comfort to pediatric patients. "Since I was a very young child, my baby blanket was something that always brought me comfort, and to this day it still holds true," says Emily, who dreams of becoming a pediatric nurse. "During these very challenging times of a global pandemic, my heart went out to all the children who were in hospitals who may be feeling scared, lonely and isolated."

The resourceful teenager, who lives in Atlantic Beach, obtains pieces of fleece fabric that she cuts and ties together in colorful patterns. After they are heat-washed and dried, she delivers them to hospitals and Ronald McDonald House locations on Long Island and in New York City. She has made more than 200 blankets since March.

The August delivery was her second to HSS, to the delight of young patients who now have a soft and cozy blanket to hug. “I have received emails from young patients to share how much they love their blanket,” said Emily. “This fills my heart with so much joy knowing I can help make a difference in the life of a child. My dream right now is that every child can receive a 'Bundle of Love'."