NWTC Service-Learning and Civic Engagement 2018-2019 | Page 8

CULTURE
FLEECE WITH POLICE
Criminal justice students, community
members, and local officers tie
blankets for those in need.
The Oneida Elder Center was full of
hustle and bustle as community members
worked to put together tie-blankets that
would be distributed throughout the
area. NWTC Instructor Matt Ninham who
organized the event during its formative
years, now continued by the Oneida
Police Department, was in attendance
for the event’s eighth consecutive year.
According to Ninham the tie blanket
making workshop was aimed to gather
the community and make a difference.
The blankets are donated to domestic
violence programs, local shelters,
elderly individuals, and patrol officers
to hand out to those in need.
“The event allows people
from all walks of life,
religions, genders, and
7
backgrounds to come together, make
blankets for people in need, talk and get
to know each other.” said Ninham, “There is
much more happening than just the making
of blankets. It’s about community, getting
to know one another, helping others, and
working together. We are able to come
together, make these blankets and give
them to those people in our community
who may be going through a tough time.”
For years, NWTC Criminal Justice students
have also attended this event, as it
helps them understand the importance
of being involved in their community.
Also, many who have attended past
events as students are now officers
who annually come back to help out.
Another purpose for getting students and
staff involved is that it helps officers from
other jurisdictions and NWTC students
and staff learn about the Oneida Culture,
fostering and building stronger relationships
between students and the tribe.