What Colors to Wear on Memorial Day

Care Wear is a nationwide group of volunteers who knit, crochet, and/or sew, providing handmade items directly to hospitals & social service agencies. All Care Wear items are distributed by hospital or agency staff [FREE] to patients of all ages. Contact information for Care Wear Volunteers: Bonnie Hagerman (301-620-2858 or 301-695-5530 or carewear@comcast.net)

Care Wear Volunteers, Inc.
Bonnie Hagerman
102 Mercer Court
Suite #23-5
Frederick, MD 21701

Phone: 301-620-2858
Fax: 301-620-2858
Carewear@comcast.net

IRS approved 501 (c)(3) organization.
Current Form 990 available on request.

ST. LUKE'S UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL (Attn: Barbara Raab, BSN, RNC-NIC, NICU Family Support Program Coordinator, 1872 St. Luke's Blvd, Easton, PA 18045) sent an update. The address above is a new address for the NICU and L&D. They are VERY VERY low on burial gowns and could use as many as possible--in all sizes. They also need 4" x 4" Share Squares in soft, cotton fabric (flannel works well). In addition to Barbara, Alexia Spartow is a second contact person. E-mail: alexia.sparrow@sluhn.org E-mail for Barbara is Barbara.Raab@sluhn.org (October 1, 2021)

NEW LISTING: UCHEALTH HIGHLANDS RANCH HOSPITAL, Attn: Perinatal Loss Labor & Delivery--3rd floor, 1500 Park Central Drive, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129. Requesting BURIAL GOWNS or kimonos in all sizes/in all colors or fun patterns except white. Also request booties. They have a good supply of hats and blankets and don't need more unless part of a matching set. Contact person: Brooke Scott (303-880-4059 or brooke.scott@uchealth.org (September 6, 2021).

FREDERICK HEALTH HOSPICE (Attn; Dianne Elizabeth, Volunteer Services Coordinator, 1 Frederick Health Way, Frederick MD 21701) requests adult neck pillows (thick, soft, supportive) as well as Alzheimer's Activity Blankets for their patients. The pattern for our NECK PILLOW is found on page 82 of the 2018 Patteren & Information Book. The directions for the Alzheimer's Activity Blanket are found in the September 2021 newsletter (page 9). See the Care Wear Volunteers website (See Menu items: PATTERNS and NEWSLETTERS) for both patterns. Contact information: 240-566-3038 or DElizabeth@frederick.health (August 18, 2021)

BEACON CHLDREN'S HOSPITAL (part of Memorial Hospital), South Bend, IN (615 N. Michigan Street, South Bend, IN 46615) urgently requests blankets for pediatric patients of all ages. Send Attn: Katie Baxley or other Child Life Staff member. (June 10, 2021)

FREDERICK MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (FREDERICK HEALTH HOSPITAL) requests Alzheimer's Aprons and full-term baby hats. Please contact Director of Volunteers--Sharon Hannaby--to arrange for someone to meet you at the Trail Avenue Entrance Door to take your hats or aprons. OR, mail to Frederick Health Hospital, Attn: Sharon Hannaby, Volunteer Services, 400 West Seventh Street, Frederick MD 21701. E-mail shannaby@frederickhealth.org. Telephone: 240-566-3567. (June 10, 2021).

NEW HOSPITAL LISTING: RARITAN BAY MEDICAL CENTER (Attn: Coordinator, Office of Patient Experience, 530 New Brunswick Avenue, Perth Amboy, New Jersey 08861) requests Fidget/Actiity Blankets & Aprons, Twiddle/Alzheimer's Muffs/Sensory Bands, and Handmade Stuffed Animals. Contact Person is Lamesha Wallace, 732-324-5086, Lamesha.Wallace@hackensackmeridian.org. Will share donated items with its Old Bridge NJ location. (June 17, 2020)

FREDERICK HEALTH HOSPICE (VOLUNTEER SERVICES COORDINATOR--DIANNE ELIZABETH, 1 FREDERICK WAY, FREDERICK, MD 21701) requests fidget/activity blankets for their patients with dementia and Alzheimer's. Although affiliated with Frederick Health Hospital (Frederick Memorial Hospital) they are in a different location and a completely different entity. What is donated to the hospital does not go to this office. By fidget/activity blankets, they are referring to the Alzheimer's aprons on page 78 and 79 of the 2018 Care Wear Volunteers Pattern & Information Book. They also welcome Sensory Bands/Twiddle Muffs/Alzheimer's Activity Muffs found on pages 30-31 of the 2018 Care Wear Volunteers Pattern & Information Book. The crochet version of this muff (page 35) follows the directions/dimensions of the knit version on pages 30-31. When delivering or mailing to this office, please include "Attn: Dianne Elizabeth, Volunteer Department". NOTE: Offices are not yet accepting donated items, but Dianne expects that restrictions will be lifted in July. Please call her 240-566-3038 if you have any questions and to verify that restrictions have been lifted and deliveries can be accepted. Your help would be appreciated. (June 10, 2020).

KENTUCKY CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL (DEPT OF PEDIATRICS, Division of Pediatric Forensic Medicine, Attn: Jessica Harrison-Richart LPN, 138 Leader Avenue, Suite 129, Lexington, KY 40508) requests and is now accepting donated BLANKETS for ages newborn to 10 years of age and handmade STUFFED ANIMALS. At this time they do NOT need HATS. Gender neutral blankets are appreciated in addition to colors and prints for boys or girls. Many thanks for helping this hospital. (June3, 2020)

The JUNE 2020 Care Wear Volunteers newsletter (hard copy) that was mailed recently contains two page 28s and no page 29! That was an error made by the printer after I approved a correct proof copy. I will print the two pages of that pattern again in the September 2020 issue, but for anyone who wants to use that pattern, the second page can be found in the 2020 June newsletter that is posted on this website. See Menu Item "NEWSLETTERS" and enter "2020 June" to bring up that issue. You will find the second page of that crochet pattern in the posted copy. It is page 29. You can also find the pattern on the Bernat website (www.bernat.com). Enter Sweet Lamb Crochet Hat to see the second page. (May 21, 2020)

FREDERICK AREA VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO SEW HOSPITAL ISOLATION GOWNS.

Sewing help is needed to sew hospital isolation gowns from kits that have been assembled. Directions are in the bag with each kit and there are directions on YouTube. If you can help, stop by the Development Office of Frederick Memorial Hospital/Frederick Health across from the main hospital building (telephone number 240-566-3478) for directions and hours. Sew the isolation gowns at home and return to the Development Office when complteted. The YouTube video is found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPoj3sfgcYU. Thank you, if you can help sew these simple isolation gowns. To discuss, contact Sharon Hannaby, Director, Volunteer Services, SHannaby@fmh.org. (May 8, 2020)

SEWING MASKS AND MASK COVERS: There are two patterns posted on this website--one for a simple mask and the other for a mask cover. I was told that Frederick Memorial Hospital would provide the fabric to br used for the mask cover, but my request for additional details (where to pick up and where to drop off finished mask covers) has not been answered yet. The contact person at Frederick Memorial Hospital is Sharon Hannaby in the Volunteer Office. (Shannaby@fmh.org). Perhaps the need at FMH is not great yet as this area is still at the early stages of the spread of the coronavirus. Let's hope that FMH is not overwhelmed with patients. At any rate, the patterns are posted. I recommend the JoAnn Fabrics website for several patterns for masks. There are step-by-step pictures to help with assembly. (March 27, 2020)

REQUESTS FOR MASK AND/OR MASK COVERS:
1. KAISER PERMANENTE LOS ANGELES MEDICAL CENTER, ATTN: KATHLEEN McINTIRE--VOLUNTEER SERVICES DEPARTMENT, 4867 SUNSET BLVD, LOS ANGELES, CA 90027. kATHLEEN.J.MCINTIRE@KP.ORG 323-783-8991 CONTACT KATHLEEN IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR NEED DETAILS.

2. KENTUCKY CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL, DEPT OF PEDIATRICS DIVISION OF PEDIATRIC FORENSIC MEDICINE, ATTNl JESSICA HARRISON-RICHART LPN, 138 LEADER AVENUE, SUITE 129, LEXINGTON KY 40508. PHONE: 859-218-6727 OR E-MAIL: JESSICA.HARRISON-RICHART@UKY.EDU LINK: HTTPS://UKHEALTHCARE.UKY.EDU/COVID-19/handmade-mask-gown-donations.
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NOTICE: HOSPITALS AND MEDICAL CENTERS ARE NOT ACCEPTING ANY DONATED ITEMS FOR PATIENTS (HATS, TOTE BAGS, BLANKETS, LAYETTE ITEMS, ETC..) BECAUSE OF THE CORONAVIRUS PROBLEM. MOST ARE NOT ADMITTING VISITORS--EXCEPT THOSE WHO HAVE APPOINTMENTS OR ARE IN TREATMENT. PLEASE CALL BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO DELIVER ANYTHING. BECAUSE OF THE VIRUS, YOU MAY HAVE TO HOLD YOUR FINISHED ITEMS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. FREDERICK MEMORIAL HOSPITAL HAS ANNOUNCED THIS POLICY. ARNOLD PALMER HOSPITAL/ORLANDO HEALTH ALSO WROTE TO CARE WEAR VOLUNTEERS TO ANNOUNCE THIS POLICY.

UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY--HEALTHCARE, (Dept of Pediatric Forensic Medicine, 138 Leader Avenue, Suite 129, Lexington, KY 40508) requests caps for babies and children (infant, toddler--to six years) who are the victims of physical and sexual abuse. Contact person: Jessica Harrison-Richart, LPN, Pediatric Forensic Nurse. 859-218-6727 or jha568@uky.edu. (February 2020)

FREDERICK HEALTH HOSPITAL (FREDERICK MEMORIAL HOSPITAL, 400 W. SEVENTH STREET, FREDERICK MD 21701) APPEALS FOR BLANKETS (KNIT, CROCHET, QUILTED, OR FLEECE--30" SQUARE AND LARGER) FOR THEIR VERY YOUNG PATIENTS. FYI: FLEECE BLANKETS CANNOT BE USED IN THE NICU BECAUSE FLEECE HOLDS GERMS. STAFF MEMBERS IN THE NICU CANNOT WEAR FLEECE VESTS OR JACKETS TO WORK!!!).FLEECE BLANKETS WILL GO TO NON-NICU INFANTS. COTTON FLANNEL BLANKETS WOULD BE APPRECIATED. SEND OR DELIVER TO THE VOLUNTEER OFFICE (SHARON HANNABY, DIRECTOR OF VOLUNTEERS) IF YOU CAN HELP. (February 8, 2020)

NEW HOSPITAL LISTING: MOUNT SINAI WEST HOSPITAL (NICU-11G (ATTN: SOCIAL WORKER), 1000 10TH AVENUE, NEW YORK, NY 10019 347-920-10019). NEEDS: BLANKETS (FLEECE, FLANNEL, KNIT OR CROCHET) AND QUILTS--MINIMUM 28" SQUARE/MAXIMUM 36" SQUARE. TOYS (WITH PREFERENCE FOR THE CROCHET OCTOPUS TOY (6"-8" LENGTH) AND FABRIC/FIBERFILL BUNNIES & BEARS. CONTACT PERSON IS ALLIE RUBIN (ALEXANDRA.RUBIN@MOUNTSINAI.ORG OR 347-920-7405). UPDATE 1/2/2020: CONTACT BEFORE SENDING ANY OCTOPUS TOYS. THEY HAVE RECEIVED A LARGE SUPPLY AND DO NOT NEED MORE AT THIS TIME. NEEDS BLANKETS.

EMPTY CRADLE has a new address: 31938 Temecula Pkwy, Ste A #385, Temecula, CA 92502.

NEWSLETTER MAILING LIST: If you or someone you know forgot to send back the form to stay on the mailing list from the March newsletter, it's not too late. Return the form and I will put you back on the mailing list. Regarding the missed June issue. If you have Internet access and can read that issue online, that would be helpful. I have a few extra copies for those who do not have Internet. Once your name is back on the mailing list, you will receive the next (Sept) newsletter with the bulk-rate mailing. (June 15, 2019)

FROEDTERT & THE MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN--FROEDTERT HOSPITAL

(9200 West Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53226) is no longer accepting donated hats, booties, bears, blankets, diaper shirts, burial gowns or anything else due to new safety guidelines for Pediatrics. Do NOT send or delivery anything to this hospital. (May 31, 2019)

NEW HOSPITAL: VALOR HEALTH HOSPITAL (c/o Med-Surg, OB/NSY--Unit Clerk, 1202 E Locust Street, Emmett, ID 83617 Contact person: JoAnna Swartout, Joanna.swartout@valorhealth.org 208-901-3280). Requests: full-term booties, shawls, lap blankets, quilts, knit/crochet;/flannel blankets 30" square & larger, toys (dolls/animals). (February 27, 2019).

WINDSOR CARE & REHAB CENTER (Attn: Linda Campbell, 2021 Whispering Hills Drive, Forney, TX 75126) requests shawls and twiddle muffs. (February 25, 2019)

HOSPICE OF FREDERICK COUNTY

(Atth: Volunteer Services Coordinator, 516 Trail Ave. Frederick MD 21701) sent specifications for lap blankets and shawls.

1. We only accept new, unused , handmade items, please .
2. Lap blankets : 4x4 square tends to work best. Smaller items or full - sized blankets do not serve the patients' needs.
3. Shawls : triangle shapes work bests. Please make sure the item is long enough at the back to cover upper and middle back, and please make sure it is long enough across to cover the shoulders and wrap across the chest .
4. We welcome all colors and patterns ; blankets or shawls can be solids or mixed colors .
5. Closer weaves/knit/crochet work best at keeping patients warm.
6. Softer, lighter fabrics are best (avoid scratchy, course, heavy materials) .
7. Knitting, crocheting and qui lting are all welcome (quilts should have a batting or filler layer in order to be warm).
8. Please avoid wool and other animal - based fiber contents that could cause irritation or allergy.
9. Please make sure the blankets are made away from cigarette smoke, perfumes and animals . People at the end of life are much more sensitive to smells and/or they may develop allergies. Unfortunately, w e will have to destroy items with any cigarette, perfume or animal smells or if they have animal hair/fur on them!
10. We also always welcome blankets and shawls that have been prayed over or infused with good thoughts or intentions for comfort and healing. Many p atients are often very happy to know that the crafter has put ' intention ' into the item while creating it.
Contact person is Dianne Elizabeth, Volunteer Services Coordinator--240-566-3038 or DELIZABETH@FMH.org. (February 7, 2019)

Request from EMPTY CRADLE (9880 N. Magnolia Ave, Box 154, Santee, CA 92071) for micro-preemie & preemie hats and blankets 24" x 24" or smaller for memory boxes to distribute to families who have lost a baby. For questions, contact Rachel Redhouse, President of Empty Cradle 619-402-5741 or rachel@emptycradle.org. (January 28, 2019)

Tuesday, December 4, 2018 (3:15pm): PHONE & FAX SERVICE TO CARE WEAR VOLUNTEERS (301-620-2858) HAS BEEN RESTORED!!! THANK YOU, VERIZON.

THANKS to Verizon's error, the Care Wear Volunteers office telephone was not installed in the new office location as scheduled on 11/28! After numerous telephone calls and idiots telling me that there was no "move order" in the computer, someone in Customer Service finally found the problem. The telephone will be installed on Tuesday, 12/4 between 1 and 5pm! AMAZING that one part of the move (stopping service to the old office location) happened as scheduled!!! Getting a technician to install the telephone at the new location did NOT happen as scheduled. So, my apologies to those who called 301-620-2858 and received a message that the telephone number is no longer in service. It will be back in service by end of the work day on 12/4. Please contact me by e-mail (carewear@comcast.net) or using 301-693-0904. Bonnie

BEN TAUB HOSPITAL/Harris Helath System

(Attn: Community Involvement--Katie Walker, 1504 Taub Loop, Houston, TX 77030 requests baby receiving blankets, knit baby blankets (36" square & larger), baby quilts (36" square & larger), full-term booties & mittens, adult lap quilts, full length adult quilts, walker/wheelchair bags, tote bags, activity aprons, adult chemo hats, heart pillows and handmade stuffed animal toys. Telephone: 713-873-7674 E-mail: Katie.walker@harrishealth.org. October 23, 2018.

The CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF BUFFALO is now the John R. Oishei Children's Hospital (818 Ellicott Street, Buffalo, NY 14203). (October 1, 2018)

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND MEDICAL CENTER

(Full-Term Nursery, 22 South Green Street, Baltimore, MD 21201) is in need of FULL-TERM hats for newborns 4 to 8 pounds. They have nothing available and would welcome donations. (September 25, 2018).

SHADY GROVE MEDICAL CENTER

(Labor & Delivery, 9901 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD 20850) wrote to request additional FULL-TERM HATS. If you need assistance with the purchase of yarn for hats for Shady Grove, please contact Cheryl Brennan, RNC, Labor & Delivery. 240-826-6386. (September 19, 2018)

FREDERICK MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

((Attn: Volunteer Services, 400 West Seventh Street, Frederick MD 21701) requests adult-sized afghans/blankets for their SAFE (Sexual Assuatl Forensic Examination) nurses to distribute to patients. Contact Sharon Hannaby, Director of Volunteer Services, if you have questions. 240-566-3567 ot shannaby@fmh.org. (August 23, 2018)

UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS--HEALTH ALLIANCE HOSPITAL

(Attn: Maternity Department, 60 Hospital Road, Leominster, MA 01453). In need of blankets and quilts of all sizes--knit & crochet blankets, flannel receiving blankets, and layered quilts. (August 17, 2018).

JACKSON PARK HOSPITAL (Erma Croom, Director of Gilead Ministry, Chicago, IL) wrote to say that she leaves her position as Director of Gilead Ministry at Jackson Park Hospital. Her last day is July 16, 2018. She wrote, "...The future of Gilead Ministry at Jackson Park Hospital is uncertain at this time and thus no other donations of baby items are needed until further notice." She thanked Care Wear Volunteers participants for ongoing support. She wrote, "...It has been a pleasure to partner with you and all of the wonderful volunteers who ontributed som many beautiful handmade items for the mothers and their newborn babies at Jackson Park Hospital. I am eternally grateful to all of you for your generosity." (June 28, 2018)

RANDALL CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL at LEGACY EMANUEL (Attn: Child Life Program, 2801 N. Gantenbein Avenue, Portland, OR 97227) is a new addition to the hospital ist. Requesting blank cloth medical-surgical dolls in natural color (off-white or light tan--not darker colors because markers do not show up on the darker fabrics). Cute flannel hospital gowns in kid-friendly patterns for boys & girls are welcomed.
Contact Person is: McKenzie Fletcher-MFLETCHE@LHS.ORG or 503-413-1068. Urgent need at this time (June 13, 2018). Patterns for hospital gowns in the March 2017 newsletter on this website (pages 20 & 21),

KENNEDY KRIEGER INSTITUTE (Attn: Child Life & Therapeutic Recreation Dept. , 707 North Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205) requests surgical dolls in a variety of skin tones (especially dark skin tones are needed), cloth doll sized outfits or cloth doll sized hospital gowns, and fleece blanets in child & teen friendly colors for pediatric & teen patients when they admit to the hospital (school age & teens are most common age of patients). Two simple patterns for hospital gowns to fit the medical-surgical doll are printed in the March 2017 newsletter posted on this website (See NEWSLETTERS). See pages 20 and 21 of the March 2017 issue. For information or questions, contact Sheree Sheffer at Sheffer@kennedykrieger.org. (April 17, 2018)

EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT: Zack Fereno wrote to Care Wear Volunteers to request assistance with his Eagle Scout project in memory of Audrey Grace. His goal of 100 preemie hats has been accomplished, but he has only 18 of the 50 promised blankets (36" x 40"). If you would be willing to make a knit, crochet, or fleece blanket that measures 36" x 40" or a quilt of the same dimensions, please mail to ZACK FERENO, 3262 OAKLAND SQUARE DRIVE, BETHLEHEM, PA 18030. If you live close by, Zake will pick up donated blankets (zfereno15@gmail.com). Blankets will be donated to St. Luke's Hospital in Bethlehem, PA. The deadline for his project is May 31st. Zack has a Facebook page (Zachary Fereno's Eagle Scout Project) about his project. THANK YOU for any assistance you can provide to Zack. (April 12, 2018)

CHILDRENS HOSIPTAL OF PITTSBURGH. THE NICU IS ONLY ACCEPTING FLEECE BLANKETS AT THIS TIME. ALL DONATIONS SHOULD BE IN PLASTIC BAGS WITH A LABEL THAT SAYS, "HANDMADE ITEM, PLEASE WASH FIRST" (MARCH 9, 2018 UPDATE TO LISTING)

GENERATION HOPE (Attn: Michelle Avelino, 415 Michigan Ave NE, Suite 250, Washington, DC 20017) requests baby blankets, winter hats, scarves, and mittens for infants and toddlers, and Toys (bunnies, etc.)to help teen parents striving to complete their college education. Contact: 202-656-9539 or michelle@supportgenerationhope.org (February 1, 2018)

NATIONWIDE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL (Columbus, OH)

reports that they receive a large volume of items from their local community. Do not send items to this hospital. (January 27, 2018)

KENNEDY KRIEGER INSTITUTE (Baltimore, Md) reports a good supply of medical-surgical dolls and doll gowns, but currently is in need of fleece school age boy/teen boy blankets to add some color to their hospital room. Colors like primary blue, navy blue, lime green, or popular boy characters are ofen requested. (January 23, 2018).

CAREPOINT HEALTH (Attn: Liz Koropsak, RN, Nursing Office, 29 East 29th Street, Bayonne, NJ 07002) requests bereavement garments and sacques as well as adult blankets and quilts. (January 19, 2018)