Newswise — Loyola University Medical Center will bring comfort and warmth to its patients this Christmas through the gift of a homemade blanket.
“This tradition started in 2009 as a small project to bring comfort to a few patients in the hospital,” said Bob Andorka, chaplain, Loyola University Health System. “Since then, we have made and donated thousands of blankets to our patients during the Christmas season and throughout the year.”
Hosts of Loyola staff and volunteers have gathered during lunch each Friday for the past year to create fleece blankets in a variety of colors to appeal to men, women and children. Volunteers sit around a table cutting and knotting the fabric. Many pray quietly for the patients who will receive the blankets.
Loyola’s nurses and chaplains will deliver the blankets to patients on Christmas Eve morning. These caregivers see patients in some of the most challenging and stressful health situations. Mr. Andorka values the chance to give patients a blanket during this trying time. “Giving patients a blanket is part of Loyola’s promise to go beyond the illness to treat the whole person,” Andorka said. “We hope this small gesture will make a big impact on our patients who face spending the holidays in the hospital.”
Funds to purchase the blanket-making materials come from donations to the health system. Those interested in making a donation or a blanket, can contact Eva Moss at [email protected] or (708) 216-8249.
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