From Fabric to Comfort: The Heartwarming Work of Quilters for Hospice
The following story is recounted by volunteer Kristie Shulman.
I’ve been a grief support volunteer with HSCC since 2013. The initiative to make quilts for Camp Erin was sparked in 2014, when the Grief Support Program Director, who was aware of my involvement with the Pajaro Valley Quilt Association, told me they were planning to host this camp for the first time, and asked if we could provide handmade items for the campers. She had in mind simple blankets or pillowcases, but I thought we could provide quilts. I rallied fellow quilters, and we produced 40 quilts in just four months.
This effort led to the formation of Quilters for Hospice, a PVQA outreach group that provides quilts for both Camp Erin and end-of-life patients. The group has been going strong for the past 10 years and donates about 175 quilts to HSCC annually. Each quilt is a unique work of art, imbued with love and good wishes for the recipient, and our hope is that they feel that love when they wrap up in the quilt–like a warm hug from someone who cares! It is truly an honor to be able to do something to brighten someone’s spirits and comfort them during challenging times. The quilts the kids receive at camp not only do that, but after going home, they serve as an enduring reminder of their experience at camp and can facilitate conversations about their grief with their family members.
We sometimes receive notes of thanks from the recipients and their families telling us how much the quilts are appreciated. These notes always warm our hearts and sometimes bring us to tears! A memorable moment for me was receiving a note from a parent of a Camp Erin camper expressing gratitude for the quilt her daughter received, which I had made. She said her daughter had been latched to the quilt since she returned home, and it was providing her so much comfort. She had not seen her happy like that for a while, and she wanted me to know that the quilt would be treasured by a very appreciative girl. She also sent me a picture of her smiling daughter with the quilt on her lap. This made my day!
Quilters for Hospice meets twice a month, and new members and visitors are always welcome!
For more information and to contact us, visit our website: https://www.pvqa.org/quilters-for-hospice
