Harvest of Handiwork at Cape Regional Celebrates Sixth Year of Service

CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE – On Monday, September 26, the sixth annual Harvest of Handiwork was hosted at Cape Regional Medical Center to celebrate the abundance of beautiful items which are crafted for patients at Cape Regional by hospital volunteers and community knitters. Since 2010, these talented volunteers have provided an extra-special amenity for the patients at Cape Regional Medical Center by creating more than 5,000 afghans, shawls, lap blankets and baby items.
During the year, the handmade items are regularly offered to grateful patients who then bring their special gift home with them. Annually, a display of crafted items is the highlight of a recognition event for these special volunteers at which time the Nurse Directors have an opportunity to select from a vast array of handmade items and personally extend their appreciation to the talented, generous and caring crafters.
“On behalf of our patients, staff and the entire Cape Regional Medical Center family, we thank you for your hard work and dedication to this program,” stated Julie Paolella, Director of Volunteer Services. “Please know that you touch the lives of countless patients by your spirited generosity.”
Several years ago, the Medical Center’s Volunteer Services Department implemented the very popular Patient Comfort Shawl Program, encouraging staff, volunteers and community members to knit or crochet shawls as an amenity for patients at Cape Regional Health System. Utilizing both personal supplies as well as donations of yarn and gift cards, the skilled crafters spend countless hours carefully creating the cozy shawls; the program has now expanded and includes lap blankets and a variety of baby items. A label as a reminder that the gift was made by their friends at Cape Regional Medical Center is attached to each knitted item. Donations of yarn are always appreciated to distribute to the knitters.
If you would like to experience the joy of giving of oneself, you can join this compassionate group by calling Julie Paolella at (609) 463-2367.