The Camp Community Education Program based at the Regional Workforce Development Center isn’t only about discovering new interests. It is also about the important aspects of generosity and compassion.
“I wanted to have some options for participants to become involved in activities that help give back to our community,” said Community Education Coordinator Melba Holland. “We have incorporated several different causes to which we can contribute in our 2019 offerings.”
Mary Insull, Patricia Walker, Iola Lamison, Bessie Smith, Penny Rhoads, Lisha Wolfe and Holland, who are skilled in knitting, crocheting and sewing, have been busy at their homes creating handmade scarves and hats for cancer patients and blankets that will be donated for babies in need. “We also received a few donations from the community,” added Holland.
Though she has crafted all her life, Insull began knitting items more often when she retired 10 years ago. “I began knitting hats and scarves for the Red Cross program, Knit Your Bit, to help veterans in need,” she said. Over time, she also began to contribute homemade hats for cancer patients. “It is relaxing while doing something good for others,” she said. “I love doing this.”
Lamison is a quilter and artist who works in a variety of mediums. She joined the Community Education Program after discovering that hats and scarves were needed by patients. “To give comfort to cancer patients is very personal to me,” she said.
Not only does she have friends, family and associates dealing with different forms of cancer, but she also lost her father in 2012 due to the disease. In addition, her cousin passed away at a young age from breast cancer.
“I was reminded of her during October since it was Breast Cancer Awareness Month,” said Lamison. “I appreciated how the help of the community got me through those difficult times. Sharing is a wonderful blessing.”
All items are donated to United Way sponsored organizations or agencies. Scarves and hats were delivered to Franklin Baptist Church in late October, while the blankets will be delivered on December 17 to Edmarc Hospice for Children.
“In addition, we are accepting non-perishable items for the United Way Food Drive,” said Holland. Items will be delivered to the Franklin Cooperative Ministry on November 21 and December 17.