“…we have to believe we can make a change no matter how small. If we stop believing in that, we stop living.” -Philip (“5000 Blankets”)

Cyndi Burch and her son, Phillip’s true story has gone viral through the new movie “5000 Blankets” which will soon be released on Netflix. Sitting with Cyndi recently, I was able to learn more about the backdrop of her inspiring life.

Although her story began like many American families – with a big house, and a 2 door garage, things quickly changed.

Starting with little and continuing to big occurrences, everything her family had built crumbled when her husband went missing.

Putting up flyers to try to find her husband, she remembers her son seeing people downtown who were cold and asking,

“Do you think Dad’s cold like that too, wherever he is?”

This unanswered question inspired her son, Phillip with an idea to start giving blankets to those downtown to help them stay warm in the winter.

With only $7 in his piggy bank, he used it to get 1 blanket.

To help her son with his dream of gathering blankets for those exposed to the weather for any reason, Cyndi wrote a 7-page letter. Then she made 500 copies. Cyndi quietly handed these out to people on the street.

Although she saw most of her papers waded up, at least one copy was not. That letter was read by a news reporter. Soon the story was in different newspapers, on television and even made into a movie. With this unexpected publicity, the blanket collection grew.

Today, Phillip’s Wish (now the organization’s name as well) of giving out blankets has surpassed anything they ever imagined. It now includes coats, hats, mittens, care packages, hygiene products and food. 

Asking Cyndi what she would like to share with you reading this blog, she emphasized: “not judging people by their cover” as you never know what is going on behind the scenes. You might see perfect pictures on social media, but everyone goes through things in life. Compassion, caring and listening to others goes a long way.”

She also encourages those dealing with trials in life (such as depression/suicidal thoughts/addictions), to immediately seek help including therapy/rehab if needed.

She further wants those around someone dealing with hardcore drugs to realize people can die if they go straight off instead of going through rehab. Further concerns are some locations for rehab are in bad areas to stay clean (particularly where she lives). If people walk out of rehab there are dealers right at the door.

Cyndi Speaking

Due to her insight on these subjects, Cyndi is becoming a highly sought after speaker. In fact, she just returned from telling her story. Through her talks, she hopes to encourage others to be kinder and to believe that (in the words of Philip),

“…we can make a change no matter how small.”

She believes that in life (including around holidays), many things can vie for our attention about what is important. Maybe to put things in perspective, however reading Phillip’s Wish taken from the movie, “5000 Blankets” will help:

“For Christmas this year, I have a real short list. I want my dad to be okay and I wanna get a blanket to as many people as I can. So if any of you or your families can help in any way I would appreciate it.”

Cyndi With Actor Who Plays Her Son, Phillip on “5000 Blankets” Movie

Important Link:

Link to give money to “Phillip’s Wish:” Donate

Email for physical address (in Texas) to mail or drop off items such as blankets: cyndibunch@verizon.net

Email Cyndi to speak for your event: cyndibunch@verizon.net

Link to watch “5000’s Blankets” Trailer: Trailer

If you or someone you know is in need of food, clothes or shelter ANYTIME and live outside of Cyndi’s state of Texas please reach out on the contact me page (We have contacts we can forward you to or can make sure you get the correct information to figure this out in your area).

Important Note: Your story will not be exploited for any type of advertising for reaching out as many of us have been there and just want to pay it forward (like we received at one time) and like you most likely will pay it forward someday too…