Craft Committee Makes Hospital Less Scary for Kids

LRGH Auxiliary volunteers help out at Franklin Hospital

June 5, 2014 • Saved under Other Organizations
Press release

Surrounded by donated material, LRGH Auxiliary volunteers lend their time and talent to make a difference and bring smiles to children.

Kids who need to visit Lakes Region General Hospital or Franklin Regional Hospital for medical care often receive a comfort doll or stuffed animal. Similarly, patients who wear glasses and come for one-day surgery and in-patients are offered eyeglass cases to protect their glasses—and whether it is for comfort or convenience, these handcrafted items could not be possible without the generosity of donations.

Decorative Interiors has been a part of the Lakes Region community since 1975 and has been giving back from the beginning. Over the years, the business has donated hundreds of wallpaper and fabric books to local schools and charity groups for various projects.

“Wallpaper books were once the popular item, and now it is fabric books,” shared Marcia Cotter. “We donate because we appreciate seeing the material being recycled in such a positive way.”

Roughly 10 volunteers meet regularly to create the uniquely hand- and machine-sewn items, and what began as a few basic, “boo boo” baby dolls has grown into a plethora of stuffed dogs, cats, elephants, owls, and fish, to name a few.

“When kids come into the hospital, it can be a really scary place. The animals and dolls give them something to hug and focus their attention on,” said LRGH Auxiliary board and craft committee member Diana Goodhue. “Patients who get an eyeglass case really seem to appreciate them. The designer material from Decorative Interiors has really boosted the popularity of the cases; it is so nice to be out in the community and see our creations still being used.”

The craft committee is just one of the many initiatives the LRGH Auxiliary contributes to LRGHealthcare. The LRGH Auxiliary is always looking for new members to join and help out. To learn more or to become a member, please contact the auxiliary at Lakes Region General Hospital, 80 Highland Street, Laconia NH 03246 or call 524-3211 extension 3663, or visit LRGH.org.