Mayo Clinic Handicraft Volunteers Provide Smiles and Comfort to Those in Need

There is nothing more important than the patients, visitors, and guests who come to Mayo Clinic in Rochester. The handicraft volunteers from Methodist and Saint Marys campuses do their best to put a smile on the face of a child or adult, whenever possible.

Each week, volunteers spend time creating unique handicrafts that will touch the life of a child or adult. These handmade items include items such as stuffed animals, chemotherapy caps, pillowcases, beads of courage bags, distraction aprons or lap pads, infant caps, pediatric teaching doll gowns, walker caddies, prayer shawls, booties, hand or toe cozies, jewelry, various bereavement items, or baby blankets. These items are distributed to various departments throughout the Rochester campus. In 2018, the volunteers created 5,299 stuffed animals, 1,533 newborn caps, 1,393 pieces of jewelry, and 325 baby blankets, which are included in the total of 17,438 items that are created with love and provide comfort to patients.

The Methodist Campus special projects handicraft group volunteers all agree that this is a great way to connect socially for them. They enjoy meeting, talking, and working on their projects together. Occasionally they receive a word of thanks from someone who has received a stuffed animal whether current or years ago. This is very heartwarming.

Saint Marys and Methodist handicraft opportunities are for volunteers of all ages (14 and up). Both campuses offer opportunities to work from home. Methodist Campus has on-site special projects handicraft volunteers, as well. If interested in exploring these opportunities further, please contact rstvolunteermanagers@mayo.edu.