In this latest installment in my Giving Back series, I’m writing about Dianna and other members of the Sew What group, who make and donate so many helpful items to patients in Massachusetts hospitals. Their contributions to babies in NICUs (neonatal intensive care units), as well as to adolescents and adults battling cancer, bring comfort and a personal touch to the patients’ hospital stays.
When she was in high school, Dianna worked at summer and winter camps with special education students. She worked in Special Education for the Marlborough school system for 28 years after graduating from Fitchburg State. Dianna then spent seven years as the Director of Pupil Services in Littleton before she retired.
Dianna is a talented knitter and seamstress and she uses her talents to improve the lives of so many people. After seeing a Facebook post of some of the items that Dianna and the Sew What group made for patients, I asked Dianna to do an interview with me for the Giving Back series.
Dianna sent along the photos, so I could share what she and Sew What are doing. The Sew What group meets at the West Boylston Public Library.
How many people are in the Sew What group?
There are 6-8 women who regularly attend the Wednesday library meetings, but the group also has friends that prefer to work from home and either drop off work or have a member pick up their completed items.
How did the group get started and when did it start?
The group started about a year and a half ago when one member told her friend she wanted to use some of the material in her mother’s house to pay it forward. They put a notice in the library newsletter and Facebook to get members to join them. Other members joined by verbal request.
We are very grateful to the West Boylston Public Library for allowing us to meet there. The Children’s librarian, Sue Smith, has been very helpful with monitoring thank you notes, making sure the room is available and providing a separate storage area for our material and batting.
We are very grateful for the Wachusett Recycle Center as they regularly set aside items such as material, thread, ribbons and batting for our group.
Were you part of the group since its inception or did you join later?
I have been part of the group since the beginning.
Do the Sew What group members meet regularly?
Yes, we meet every Wednesday at the public library. We work on/complete items during the 1 1/2 hour meetings.
Does everyone in the group knit or do other people use other skills to make things for the patients?
Actually, only a couple members can knit or crochet. (I am able to do both.) We ask that members have very basic sewing skills. Some just cut out patterns or stuff pillows. Others sew items together.
Some members provide rides for patients so that appointments are not missed.
What kinds of things do you make?
We started out just making baby items such as headliners, burp cloths and quilts, which were donated to area NICUs. We also make quilts for adolescents and elderly, port and breast pillows for cancer patients.
Sometimes we put together “kits” for members to make and return completed.
One member maintains a database.
Approximately how many things would you say that the group has donated?
At this point, we have donated over 1000 items. Many members bring bags and/or boxes to area hospitals, nursing homes and health units.
If there’s a special request, we try to fill it. For example, there was a local raffle and we put a book with the quilt we donated.
One member wraps items with tissue and adds a ribbon. We also have special tags that are put with the items.
Have you ever seen some of the things that you’ve made being used by patients?
We don’t always get to see the items used unless you personally know the patient. We get a lot of positive feedback from staff and workers. Some have sent cards, letters and pictures.
What is the most special thing for you about this work?
The ability to pay it forward/knowing how much parents, patients and staff appreciate our work is very special.
Do you have any tips for other people who might be interested in making donations to patients, for example how to find out about patients’ needs or groups like Sew What?
We decided what to make and just started calling hospitals to find their needs.
Our group has a list of patients’ needs and tasks related to them. Our members align themselves with tasks they like/prefer…one person organizes materials, some like to sort colors, one person contacts hospitals.
Once a group decides what type of item they will donate, I would suggest that they determine one person that would be responsible for contacting that department/facility.
Thanks Dianna!
Thank you for giving back to those in need and for sharing your volunteer work with us and telling us about Sew What. There are so many patients benefitting from your knitting talent and your kindness.
Dianna also sells her beautiful knit items. If you are interested in seeing her work and possibly acquiring something, let me know and I’ll put you in touch with her.
Do you know a volunteer?
If you know of someone whom you think would be willing to share her or his volunteer experience for the Giving Back series, please let me know (dottie@seasaltandsailorstripes.com).
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