Crochet for a Cause, created by Mount Saint Vincent Convent Recreation Director Laura Meltzer, is a new program dedicated to crocheting and/or knitting items (hats, scarves, baby blankets) for those in need. The program allows sisters to socialize in a relaxing environment while volunteering for worthy causes. “After a lifetime of service,” says Laura, “our sisters continue to have an overwhelming desire to selflessly serve others. And sisters at Mount Saint Vincent also have a pretty crafty side! I thought combining both interests into a therapeutic program would be fulfilling for the sisters.”
How do they choose a cause?
Laura provides the sisters with a list of three organizations needing knitted and/or crocheted goods. Once sisters have voted on the cause they are most interested in, the crafting begins!
The first cause
Rachel’s Gift is a nonprofit organization in Georgia dedicated to helping parents cope with the untimely passing of their children. The organization focuses explicitly on miscarriages, stillborn births, and infant death.
The nonprofit program is named for Rachel, a baby girl who died seven weeks from birth in a car crash. This devastating loss inspired her mother to found Rachel’s Gift. Since its initial establishment, Rachel’s Gift has expanded to include support programs for grieving parents, follow-up care for participants, keepsake boxes for mothers, community events, and partnerships with hospitals.
The Sisters of Charity are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with Rachel’s Gift through Crochet for a Cause. Every item the sisters knit or crochet is sent to Rachel’s Gift with healing thoughts and prayers for those who have suffered the tragic loss of a child. Sister Linda Giuli, who is in the process of knitting several blankets, says, “I have a gift that I like to share with others. It brings me joy to know that the blankets I knit will help someone who needs comfort.”
Stay tuned for future Crochet for a Cause projects!