In a time when stories of kindness can feel rare, Addyson Stugelmeyer and Carson Clapp remind us that compassion, hard work, and selflessness are alive and well in the next generation. Through their Future Farmers of America (FFA) Agriscience project, the two Stillwater students created handmade blankets and lovies for the OnCue Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Stillwater Medical Center—offering warmth, comfort, and a powerful reminder that even small acts of kindness can have a profound impact.
Stugelmeyer shared that “everyone runs into obstacles in life that can be difficult to overcome. Sometimes though, we can help bring comfort by performing small acts of kindness which can go a long way.”
Stugelmeyer and Clapp are currently in their second year of the Agriscience class at Stillwater Schools and are active members in their FFA chapter. When it came time to select a community-focused project, the idea to serve the NICU came from a deeply personal place. Clapp shared an idea from his grandmother, Linda Clapp, a retired Stillwater Medical Center employee, who suggested creating blankets for the hospital’s new NICU. For Stugelmeyer, the idea immediately resonated. She had grown up hearing stories about her brother spending the first month of his life in a NICU and watching her mother, Michelle Stugelmeyer, dedicate years of her career to nursing at Stillwater Medical. Those connections transformed the project from an assignment into a mission rooted in gratitude and empathy.
Once they agreed on the NICU as their focus, Stugelmeyer took the initiative to ensure their efforts would be welcomed. With her mother’s help, she reached out to NICU Director Holly Dyess, who gladly approved the idea. From there, Stugelmeyer and Clapp formally proposed the project to their Agriscience teacher and FFA advisor, Mr. Branscum, as part of the class’s $5 community service project. After their proposal was accepted, the real work began.
Planning quickly turned into action. Stugelmeyer and Clapp coordinated schedules, communicated through class discussions and text messages, and arranged time to shop for supplies. Clapp enlisted the help of his grandmother, Linda, who offered not only her sewing expertise but also her time and encouragement. Their parents supported them by driving them to purchase fabric, strategically shopping on sale days at Hobby Lobby, and helping cover costs when they realized the materials exceeded the initial $10 provided through the project.
Over several weekends, Stugelmeyer and Clapp cut, sewed, and ironed each blanket by hand. When they discovered extra fabric remained, they chose to make lovies as well, ensuring even more comfort for NICU babies and families. Along the way, they faced challenges: learning to operate a sewing machine for the first time, broken needles, and a malfunctioning foot pedal. With patience, guidance from Linda, and determination, they worked through every obstacle together.
Despite the financial challenges, Stugelmeyer and Clapp made a thoughtful decision, to use their original $5 funds not for materials, but to purchase donuts as a thank-you for the NICU staff. This small but meaningful gesture reflected a maturity beyond their years and an understanding that service includes honoring those who care for others every day.
Delivering the blankets, lovies, and donuts during Thanksgiving week made the experience even more meaningful. Knowing their work would provide comfort during a stressful time filled Stugelmeyer and Clapp with happiness and encouragement. For the NICU team at Stillwater Medical, their gift represented far more than handmade items—it was a reminder that the community sees them, appreciates them, and stands beside the families they serve.
This project taught Stugelmeyer and Clapp that kindness does not have to be grand to be powerful. They gained confidence, a sense of accomplishment, and a lasting desire to continue helping others. For Stillwater Medical’s NICU staff, Stugelmeyer and Clapp’s work affirmed: there are still sweet, hardworking kids who lead with heart, generosity, and purpose.
