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Ordinary
People Doing Extraordinary Things To Change The World
Approximately three years ago, a feisty 90 year young member of
the Chapter of Mt. Scopus Hadassah, brought a wonderful
suggestion to our members. She knew that so many women who no
longer drove were forced to be homebound alone. Why not have
them knit or crochet hats for children who have lost their hair
as a result of being treated for cancer with chemotherapy.
This
spawned another 80's year young member to suggest knitting or
crocheting hats and crib blankets for preemies, neo-natal
infants and present them to the hospitals for new mothers. Of
course, it is important to note that our members range from 79
to 97 years young. This project has gained momentum by the
efforts of an 81 year young coordinator, who supplied our
handicrafts to five major community hospitals in Miami. We have
added booties to our project which are presented to Hospice
(Vitas) and the local Veterans Hospital. Hadassah is a Zionist
Organization. Whenever we are privileged to have tourists
visiting Israel we supply them with hats and blankets for the
preemies and neo-natal infants for the Ein Kerem and Mt. Scopus
Hospitals in Israel. The tight security system in Israel forbids
us to directly mail our handicrafts to that country. All the
Hospitals to whom we have donated our precious items are eager
to receive our contributions, and we have subsequently, been
rewarded with heartwarming letters of gratefulness from the new
mothers and the local and Israeli Hospitals.
What a joy this has been for our members! This project has given
the women new purpose in life, camaraderie with fellow members
and the knowledge that their handicrafts are being shared with
their love to the recipients. Each Wednesday afternoon, from
2:00 to 4:00 P.M. the clacking of needles mingling with
invigorating conversation and laughter can be heard in our Card
Room. Arthritic fingers fly furiously with various colored yarn
and produce a quantity of beautiful items. But, we always need
yarn! Very often the women purchase their own yarn, however, we
welcome donations of yarn, even yarn that has remained idly in
closets over the years. Still, the women remain so creative.
This past holiday season, an 80 year young woman decorated hats
in appropriate vivid colors with beautiful winter scenes knitted
into the hats. Our diverse group of women from all ethnicities
are changing lives each day. Yes, we are proud of all our
exceptional young-minded women who participate in this community
project, aren't you?
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