SANDPOINT — Along with almost 200 soft, warm blankets, Farmin Stidwell students recently sent along something else to those in need — hope.

"Dear Friend, know that 200 people care for you. I can only imaging sitting on a dirt floor. Here's this blanket, with love, Ben."

With each blanket included as part of the Blankets of Hope program, students in Farmin Stidwell's fourth grade classes sent along letters to let those who are homeless know that they are remembered and loved.

"Dear Friend, I might not know how you're feeling but I do know that people care about you. Farmin Stidwell cares about you. I care about you! We believe in you! Stay strong!. Your friend, Alyx."

Another student shared similar sentiments. "I am sorry you are feeling sad and alone, but you aren't. We are here for you. I hope you like the blanket. You are important and loved. We believe in you," wrote Jordyn.

The students told those set to receive the blankets that they are loved and appreciated, and encouraged them to stay strong, and told them that others in the world believe in and care for them.

"Dear loved one," wrote Layla. "I hope one day I can help you . You can do this. You are strong and brave. You are not invisible. People may make you feel that way but you are not. You are so special to me. You are so important to me."

Fellow fourth grader Jared shared a similar message. "Dear Friend, I hope you like this blanket of gratitude. Don't worry, we are with you. You are important to the world. You are special in your own way."

Before writing their letters and carefully attaching them to each blanket, set to be gifted to someone struggling with homelessness, they watched a video sharing how Blankets of Hope got its start. They were encouraged to close their eyes and imagine they were sitting on a busy city sidewalk, alone with no family or friends. Their backpack with their identification and money had been stolen — taking with it their hope to buy a used bicycle and chance for a job as a bicycle delivery person.

As the video ended, the students learned from Blankets of Hope founders Mike and Nick Fiorito that the visualization was based on a true story. They learned it was part of the brothers' inspiration to collect blankets to give to those in New York City as a way to take their minds off their own challenges. They started a GoFundMe campaign to fund the effort.

"We were just like everyone else. Every morning we would wake up, we'd get ready, we'd grab some breakfast and head out the door," the brothers share in a video on the Blankets of Hope website.

While more connected in some ways than ever, they said they felt empty inside and searched for something more meaningful to spend their time. Then one day, they said they stopped and asked themselves: What really matters?

And that, they said, was when everything changed.

"There's no denying we're all different," the brothers said in the video. "We share different beliefs, we come from different cultures and we each have a unique story but we do share one thing in common. We all just want to know that our life means something. We want to know that people care."

The human connection is critical, and some that the brothers have spoken to as part of Blankets of Hope, haven't heard their names in months.

"It's easy to forget these are real people, real human beings. These are mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, and they're completely alone," they said in the video. "To us it's something simple, just a blanket and a hand-written note. But to someone else, it can mean the world. So what really matters, we all matter. Each and every one of us."

With the help of family and friends, they hand-delivered 100 blankets to those in need.

Soon their efforts caught the attention of venture capitalist Todd Chaffee, who offered the brothers mentorship and financial support, allowing them to transform the project into a global movement. To date, Blankets of Hope has partnered with more than 500 schools and donated over 50,000 blankets and handwritten notes.

Their mission is simple, the brothers wrote on their website. They want to "inspire a global movement of kindness, one blanket at a time."

Being able to participate came about through one of the teachers at Farmin Stidwell, principal Betsy Dalessio said. She's seen a post on Instagram about the program and knew it was an ideal activity for her students and others at the school.

The school reached out to the organization and was matched up with a donor, allowing them to participate without having to purchase the blankets on their own, Dalessio said.

She said it was amazing to listen to the students' letters and to see them show such love and compassion for others.

For more information about Blankets of Hope, go online to blanketsofhope.com .