While the Cancer Care Center addresses the physical needs of patients, the Davis Memorial Hospital Auxiliary helps provide for people’s spiritual side.
In the past several months, nearly two dozen volunteers have hand-knitted and crocheted about 75 prayer shawls. A Davis Memorial Hospital chaplain prays over each one, and they are provided to cancer patients through either the Cancer Care Center or the Davis House.
“These ladies spend 10 to 12 hours on each one of these,” said Valerie Bright, director of volunteer services for Davis Memorial Hospital. “We have members of the auxiliary, volunteers and staff members who are participating.”
Each one has a unique design, with different styles, borders and colors chosen by the person creating it. Sharon Chenoweth, a member of the DMH Auxiliary Board who also volunteers at the hospital, came up with the concept.
“People in our community love to help others, and this is a different way for some of them to do that,” Chenoweth said. “We’ve been very pleased with the response.”
Bright noted that each shawl has a tag sewn on it that says, “Made especially for you by the Davis Memorial Auxiliary.” The ministry will definitely continue for the long term, she added.
“It’s been a truly wonderful effort that has blessed both those creating them and those who have received them,” Bright said. “People love both making and receiving them.”
A number of thank you cards already have come in from people who received a shawl.
“I was given a beautiful prayer shawl made by your auxiliary and I wanted to thank you,” the note stated. “It is a wonderful thing that you do and a blessing for each of us. May God bless you for your work.”
For more information about volunteering at Davis Memorial Hospital, call 304.637.3896 or e-mail volunteer@davishealthsystem.org.