By the time they entered third grade, Christine DeHart of Hummelstown and Cindy Robinson of Harrisburg could sew by hand. Stitch by stitch the women grew to treasure their craft and cherished creations. They loved the process of selecting the perfect yarn, thread and fabric to create unique gifts made with intention and love. Christine and Cindy bring this spirit to Homeland Hospice patients and bereaved families through their handmade memory pillows and blankets for the organization’s bereavement support program.
As volunteer coordinator for Homeland Hospice, a nonprofit hospice program that serves communities throughout Central Pennsylvania, Ory Bower facilitates the organization and delivery of memory pillows and blankets.
“The pillows bring great comfort to grieving families,” Ory says. “They are available through our outreach efforts for families who receive our services as well as any family in need of support.”
While Ory expertly and creatively arranges the coordination of the pillows, he leaves the sewing to expert volunteers like Christine who creates individualized memory pillows for family members who have lost loved ones.
The pillows can be made from a loved one’s t-shirt, flannel shirt or hoodie. Christine artfully lays out the design to highlight the unique elements of the shirt. Some of her pillows have included pockets, the individual’s name from a uniform shirt, or their favorite sports team. While Christine doesn’t meet the people receiving the pillows, she knows they provide comfort.
“I often think about the families,” Christine says. “I don’t know their personal journey, but I understand the grieving process.”
While most of Christine’s projects are standard sized pillows to display on a couch or chair, Christine is always up for new challenges.
“A family member once requested heart-shaped pillows,” Christine adds. “I easily created the pattern and loved the result.”
While Christine tackles her sewing projects independently, Cindy helps lead a group of volunteers who knit and crochet blankets, quilts, and shawls, as well as other gift items for community organizations. More than 25 ladies meet every Thursday and Friday morning at the Friendship Senior Center in Harrisburg to sew, chat, pray and support one another. Cindy loves donating her handmade blankets to Homeland Hospice families.
“I put my heart into every stitch,” Cindy says. “I make each blanket like it was a gift for a close friend.”
While Cindy and her knitting friends love all the blankets they make for Homeland Hospice, they are particularly fond of patriotic-themed creations for veterans receiving care. The Homeland team often presents the blankets during personal visits and special events on Veteran’s Day. In addition, Cindy knits stars to insert in cards and give as gifts. American Gold Star Mothers, an organization of mothers who have lost sons or daughters in service of our country, financially helps offset the cost of the materials.
“Our veterans appreciate the added touch,” Ory says. “It means so much to those who served our country.”
When she was learning to sew, Cindy’s grandmother reminded her to go stitch by stitch when she became overwhelmed by a complex project. The same can be said about navigating life during difficult times. For patients in their end-of-life journey and those who have lost loved ones, taking life one step at a time can help guide them through the storm.
“I love doing this work,” Cindy adds. “Helping others is what we are all here to do.”
For more information about the memory pillow and blanket program as well as other volunteer opportunities with Homeland Hospice, call Ory Bower at (717) 221-7890.
