Caring Craft Volunteers Celebrated at Cape Regional Medical Center

COURT HOUSE – On Sept. 23, 2011, the talent, generosity and caring nature of more than 30 hospital and community volunteers was celebrated at a “Harvest of Handiwork” held at Cape Regional Medical Center. The event provided an opportunity for fellowship between Hospital staff and those who craft baby items, comfort shawls and lap robes for the patients at the Medical Center; while still others knit or crochet beautiful items and donate them for sale in the Cape Regional Medical Center Gift Shop.
More than 750 items added to the colorful display, reflecting the generosity, talent and compassion of those who willingly give of themselves so that the lives of others may be touched. “Our patients are absolutely delighted when they are presented with a thoughtful gift that is made especially for them,” offered Corinne Robinson, BSN, Director of Patient Satisfaction. The Nursing Directors from the various Medical Center units also took the opportunity to thank the volunteers before making their selection of lovingly-crafted items for their patient areas.
Two years ago, Cape Regional’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 the patients’ use during their stay at Cape Regional Medical Center and then to take home. Utilizing both personal supplies as well as donations of yarn and gift cards, the skilled volunteers spend countless hours creating the cozy shawls as well as lap blankets and baby items. A generous donation from a caring staff member assures our ability to further the personal touch by labeling each knitted item with a reminder that the gift was made by their friends at Cape Regional Medical Center. The program has expanded from its original core of six volunteers to its current base of 30+ from both Cape May and Atlantic Counties. To date, more than 2,700 crafted gifts have been created by this caring group of volunteers!
If you would like to experience the joy of giving of oneself, you can join this compassionate group by calling 609-463-2367 for more information. Volunteering touches the lives of others as well as serves to be self-enriching, so please consider joining the Cape Regional Medical Center Hospital Volunteer team.