The Today Show, with host Lester Holt, featured an appearance with Mesh Gelman, founder of Blanket America, in order to help their charitable cause. Showcased on the show was the Patchwork Heritage quilt, designed by Gelman and his team of designers. Gelman, with the help of the Today Show, used this platform to address the growing poverty problem in the United States.

Since the recession began in 2008, it is estimated that over thirty five million Americans are living below the poverty line. Many of our nation\'s citizens are in desperate need of charitable contributions. On January 20th, 2009 Barak Obama told the nation that \"our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness.\" Those words inspired Mesh Gelman and his team to create the Patchwork Heritage quilt, and in turn, the Blanket America charitable organization.

The Blanket America model of giving is this: Buy One, Give One. That is to say, for every Patchwork Heritage quilt sold, a new, warm, fleece blanket is donated to charity. Gifts in Kind International has joined hands with Blanket America in order to act as an intermediary to distribute the donated blankets throughout America.

The Patchwork Heritage quilt is created by using thirteen different fabrics in order to represent our thirteen original colonies. The colors used are a blend of modern and aesthetically pleasing hues of red, white and blue that matches nearly every décor. The reverse uses a base fabric of creamy beige whose background features lady liberty standing proudly erect. President Barak Obama\'s inaugural address is boldly displayed in entirety and the words \"patchwork heritage\" are prominently highlighted.

The entire collection includes the Patchwork Heritage quilts in king, queen and throw sizes. Designed to match the quilts are decorative pillow shams and throw pillows. The collection can be used functionally or as a commemorative display. Any home would be proud to display such a patriotic collection.

Thanks to Mesh Gelman\'s innovative approach to charitable giving and the support of the Today Show, Gifts in Kind International, QVC, Amazon.com and JC Penney stores, Blanket America\'s projected goal of one million blankets donated may be reached, or even surpassed. To show support for the project, visit http://www.blanketamerica.com/.


Blanket America is about more than blankets. It is about changing the way charity and business works. For every quilt sold, Blanket America will donate a blanket to an American in need.