"My five-year-old granddaughter recently has a brain tumor removed at the Children's Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona. When the anesthesia wore off, one of the first things she wanted was her blanket."

For patients and their family members, the harsh realities of having to spending time in a children's hospital can make the world feel a little cold.

When Mary Ahumada visited her local children's hospital in Phoenix, Arizona, one look in the eyes of a sick child and the sorrow on the faces of their loved ones moved her to tears—and then to action. Mary knew a gesture as small as offering the patients comforting new blankets could have a profound impact on the spirit of those fighting for their lives every single day.

Mary, along with a dedicated team of Safeway employees, made 117 blankets, helping each child to feel a little warmer thanks to the kindness of strangers.

The connection Mary made with her gesture left a powerful impression on the patients, hospital staff and her fellow employees.