The Bereavement Coordinator at Luther Manor Hospice started a “We Honor Veterans” program in 2020. They found our Ascension Lutheran Knit Wits on the internet, and noticed that we volunteer our time to knit and crochet a variety of charity items. In July they asked if we could provide their hospice patients who are veterans some kind of red, white, and blue blanket to honor their service to our country. The blanket would be used as a comfort mechanism to the veteran at the end of life. When the veteran dies, the lapghan would be given to his/her family.
So, the Knit Wits started working on this. Donna Savin and Nancy Link got a grant from Thrivent to buy red, white and blue yarn. And we started crocheting and knitting! By August 15 we had created and delivered 21 lapghans and/or prayer shawls. Ladies participating include: Pam Grambow, Linda Elder, Maddie Goetter, Becky Pepper, Elaine Kilgore, Linda Knutson, Toni Anspach, Pat Ludwig, Corrine Newicki, Sandy Poliak, Beth Hoffman, Pat Kruck, Cindy Orth, Diane Pavletich, Premu Advani and Jean Kelso. Not all the Knit Wits are Ascension members, but we all work on our community charity projects.
As of Sept. 16, 2020, 48 lapghans or shawls have been made, and we still have enough red, white and blue yarn for at least another 50. This will be an on-going project to honor our military veterans.
After that first delivery to Luther Manor we received a note from Brittany Penoske, the bereavement Coordinator. She said: “The items you gave me were beautiful! The veterans adored them, and they were very appreciative. We are always admitting new patients, so this next batch of lapghans/shawls will be perfect to have on hand when we get those admissions. Thanks again!”
This has been a fun project. The finished projects have been varied and creative, few of them alike. Most of the lapghans and shawls were made at home. We also enjoyed meeting in the pavilion behind church to work on projects, being together, and still remaining safe during the Covid restrictions. Thanks, Ascension, for allowing us to use this space!
We also wish to thank Thrivent for their grant which directly contributed to the success of this project.
Ascension Knit Wits
Maddie Goetter, coordinator
Susan Koeferl, treasurer
(Reprinted from the November 2020 newsletter.)
