Celebrating Shawls of Comfort

The Shawls of Comfort Appreciation Luncheon brought knitters and crocheters from the greater New Haven Area to celebrate the gifts from our hearts and hands.  The Department of Spiritual Care of Yale New Haven Hospital hosted the July 17 event at the St. Rapheal Campus of Yale-New Haven Hospital to recognize the many groups and individuals who had contributed their shawls and hard work over a number of years.  Chaplain Sarah Blum, the Shawl Coordinator and event m.c. talked to us of how the shawls provided comfort, care, and hope to the many patients who to come to Yale-New Haven Hospital. Just like we connect the yarns to create beautiful comforting knitted and crocheted shawls, the shawls themselves, connect the patient to an unknown individual who cared enough to create the piece. Sarah also spoke of how"the shawls wrapped the recipient in light" and provided "tranquility to those in transition."

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At an event, filled with positive energy and good fellowship, we blessed the hands that knitted and crocheted as well as those individuals who transported, packaged, and distributed the pieces to those in need.  Three nurses spoke about their experiences and the impact that the shawls had on their patients. Their stories took our mission from helping sick patients in general to providing a valuable strategy in improving the emotional well-being of individuals.

The message card that is included with all shawls conveys the beauty of the work and the spirit of giving.

Shawl of Comfort

"This shawl of comfort was created with love, especially for you, weaving wishes of hope through the gentle touch of our loving hands.

May you feel shelter and warmth wrapped within the shawl, knowing you are graciously held in peace and prayer with this shawl of comfort."

Many thanks to the Spiritual Care Department, Office Coordinators, Kimberly Jowers and Barbara Longobardi, Manager Dr. Kenneth Palladino, and Chaplains, Rev. Wiliam West, Rev. Sarah Blum, Rev. Sandra Belcher.  Dedicated groups of volunteers coordinate the collection, packaging, and distribution of the shawls.

Representatives from many community groups came together for the event.  Some of these included:  Our Lady of Pompeii, Threads of Love (Jewish Prayer Shawl Circle of Great New Haven), The Catholic Charity League, Abraham's Tent from St. George in Guilford, Saint Frances Cabrini Parish, Saint Margaret's of Madison, and Saint Rita's Church.  Our group Threads of Love, was well represented by our knitters and crocheters, led by our coordinator , Elaine Klein.

    This celebratory post is a follow-up to an article I wrote in May  about Knitting and Crocheting for Charity and my relationship to Threads of Love.  (http://www.lilcreates.com/lillians-blog/knitting-and-crocheting-for-charity) Whether you knit or crochet, your beautiful work is appreciated.  To date our own group as created and distributed  almost 600 pieces in about 6 years.    My most recent donation to our cause is shown below. although our collection date is not until August, Elaine put out an all call for for a few women's shawls.  Our group has extended its giving-caring circle to embrace those in the larger community circle, even to those who live out of state who have personal connections with our members.  Needless to say, Elaine was not disappointed as several members heeded her call.  I enjoyed adding a stylish darker green band to a sage crocheted triangle shawl.  At present I am knitting a navy and purple hued fringed shawl from Homespun (Lion Brand).  I am looking forward to presenting it at the next collection meeting in August. 

Seeing knitters and crocheters from the greater New Haven community face-to-face is so inspiring.  Thousands of Shawls of Comfort have already gone to some sick or needy person.  Knowing and actually seeing that your mission of creating these shawls transfer love, beauty, and solace is shared by so many other people has created a bond among fellow providers.  What a lovely way to spend a day.  Thank you again to Yale- New Haven Department of Spiritual Care.