The Thoughtful Holiday Gift That Helps Boston’s Homeless Community

The Foundations of Management and Entrepreneurship course at Babson College calls upon its students to launch their own businesses. In 2016 Sophomore, Maxwell Perry decided to go into the course prepared by coming up with an idea before the first class in January.

When the students broke into groups, Perry was ready to pitch the business model that would become Beantown Blankets, an organization that donates one warm, multi-purpose blanket to a homeless individual or shelter for every blanket they sell.

 

The simple concept came to Perry after a discussion with his mother. She told him a story about her beloved childhood blanket:

“She said she loved her blanket and took it everywhere,” Perry told Boston Magazine. “But when missionaries came to her church looking for donations for children in Africa, she gave them her blanket. To her, blankets were about comfort and warmth and she wanted those children to experience that.”

 

The blankets are uniquely designed with soft fleece on one side and waterproof material on the other, making them the perfect companion for those battling the ever-changing weather in Boston. They also fold into themselves with a pocket and carrying strap for portabillity.

 

“For homeless individuals, it’s protection from rain and snow, keeping them warm and dry during New England winters,” said Perry. “For the customer, it’s the perfect blanket for picnics, sporting events, concerts, pets, or to keep in the car.”

 

While the rest of the student businesses closed down at the conclusion of the course in the spring of 2016, Perry kept his passion project going. Beantown Blankets offers products in a variety of solid colors as well as three plaid patterns.

 

They have also expanded to include plush throw blankets and stylish winter beanies.

 

Beantown Blankets donates to various shelters in the Boston area including Pine Street Inn, Rosie’s Place, and the New England Center for Homeless Veterans. They are also capable of donating blankets to homeless shelters across the Continental United States.

 

This season, give your loved ones a gift that gives back to community members in need! Check out the entire line of Beatown products here.