DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Volunteer Office of Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice is looking for volunteers to knit and/or crochet comfort shawls that will be included as part of a special package for our hospice patients and families. This is part of our Peaceful Passages program that was developed as a way to inspire, support and comfort patients and families at the end-of-life.

The contents of these packages include an angel token, worry stone with a special message, a candle, and a special booklet of poems and payers which includes a space to write one’s thought, memories and feelings. The final piece added to the bag is the comfort shawl. This is the only piece that has been handmade by those who care. It adds that special touch. Each shawl is labeled with a special message: “This comfort shawl was hand made for you with prayers and thoughts of love.”

Shawls should be 58 to 60 inches long and 23 to 24 inches wide when completed. We want the patient to be able to wrap it around their shoulders comfortably so that they do not have to hold onto them to keep them on. The preference is for a rectangular pattern; however, we accept triangular shawls as long as they are 58” long at the longest edge. We do have patterns available for those who are interested. We would like to have shawls knitted especially for women and others knitted especially for men.

A story was shared from a nurse who gave a comfort shawl to her patient. The shawl was purple and the nurse told her that a volunteer had made it especially for her. The patient asked, “How did they know purple was my favorite color?” Shawls bring smiles, comfort and warmth to those who are facing the end of their lives.

Some knit or crochet one or two shawls per year, while others will donate one or two shawls per month. Whatever you can do will be greatly appreciated by those we serve.

There is a great need for these shawls for our patients and families. If you are interested in knitting or crocheting shawls and donating them to Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice patients, please contact me., — Kathy Baillargeon, volunteer supervisor, 777-7740, ext. 1286, [email protected]

ANSWER: If quilting, not crocheting or knitting, is your expertise, people who are ill can still use your help.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: We are looking for volunteer quilters to make “comfort quilts” for St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center Oncology Infusion Center.

The goal of the quilts is to give the patient comfort during their infusion, whether it be for chemo or other infusions. This will let the patients be able to be warm and snuggly knowing that people cared enough to make the quilts for their time there.

We are looking for lap quilts about 40 by 55 inches or around that size. We incorporate our label on the quilt. It says:

“Comfort Quilts for St. Mary’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders made by (signed by quilt maker).

If you have interest in helping us with this project, please email me. — Patience Johnson, [email protected]

ANSWER: Sun Spots could imagine the grumbling of readers about the email-only contact and asked Patience about providing a phone number but has not heard back yet.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Is there someone who makes quilts for different organizations? I have a lot of material to give to them, if interested. — 783-8862, Lewiston

ANSWER: You could give it to St. Mary’s for their project from the previous letter — if someone doesn’t take you up on your offer first.

Meanwhile, Sun Spots has some questions for her quilting readers: What kind of material do you want? Old sheets? Cotton only? Does anyone make quilts out of stretchy knits or old jeans?

Sun Spots actually wears out her clothes to the point that no one else would want them. Many others must find themselves in the same situation. Goodwill will take them and turn them into rags, but quilts seem like a better choice if that’s an option?

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to [email protected].