Organization Honors Veterans

On April 20, a gathering of about 50 was held at the Upper Leacock Township War Memorial Association (ULTWMA). The group included ULTWMA members; members of the Patriotic Stitchers for Veterans, an organization that makes and donates blankets for veterans in hospice care; representatives of local hospice associations to which the Stitchers contribute blankets; and special guest speakers Liz Ackerman of the Northern Lancaster County Chamber of Commerce, Pennsylvania state Rep. Keith Greiner, and Diane Absher of the National Society Daughters of the American Colonists (NSDAC). The gathering was held to celebrate the third anniversary of the Patriotic Stitchers and the organization's becoming an affiliate of ULTWMA.

Kathy Baker and Jean Summers, who have overseen the Stitchers' work, took turns opening the event, with Baker leading the Pledge of Allegiance and offering a prayer and Summers noting that the organization has now donated 1,100 blankets to veterans. Ackerman coordinated a special ribbon-cutting, noting that the organization will now be known as the Patriotic Stitchers for Veterans of the War Memorial Association.

Mary Lawhead, volunteer coordinator for Caring Hospice Services, shared stories of veterans who have received blankets, noting, "The blankets bring a profound and wonderful security to the veterans."

Carol Vandenburg of Hospice & Community Care described a pinning, a special ceremony of the We Honor Veterans program. She noted that a blanket from the Stitchers is draped over the veteran's bed. Vandenburg's associate Jen Horan gave the Patriotic Stitchers a pin and a certificate emblematic of the Starfish Award. "It's for volunteers that go above and beyond," she explained.

Amy Roth Sandrolini, volunteer coordinator with Amedisys hospice of Lancaster, told the story of a local veteran who received a blanket resembling an American flag made by Darla Carpenter. Sandrolini held up a similar blanket with 13 stars, saying, "This is a work of art ... a work of love."

Others who participated in the ceremony are Valerie Jefferson and Marisa Elfawal from Compassus Hospice and Kevin Cross and Cynthia Matthews from Pro-Medica Hospice.

Greiner thanked the volunteers for their efforts, recalling that in his capacity as chair of the board of the Ressler Mill Foundation, he had previously been able to help the Stitchers with a grant to purchase blanket-making supplies. He noted that Summers worked with Bob Zook, president of ULTWMA, to become an affiliate.

Absher, regent of the Pennsylvania division of the NSDAC, explained that her organization is dedicated to historical, patriotic, and educational causes. Absher chose the Patriotic Stitchers to be recipients of statewide giving in 2020. She intends to give the Stitchers a check for more than $1,000 when the Daughters of the American Colonists hold a state assembly meeting in York. The group will continue to raise money for the Stitchers through 2024.

Readers who would like to donate stitching time, funds, or material to the group may call 717-553-3161 or 484-888-3772.