Making extended hospital stays as pleasant as possible for caregivers while loved ones are in the hospital can be a challenge, but one local organization is helping to brighten up their stay one stitch at a time. Members of Senior Adults Living Triumphantly of True Life Church in Leesburg recently donated 15 handmade totes and pillows to Phoebe.
 
“It can be exhausting beyond measure for families when a loved one is in the hospital. These totes and pillows are a great surprise for them,” said Bernard Roberson, corporate director, Service Excellence.  “To receive a small token of a gift bag with items, such as toiletries, Kleenex, crossword puzzle etc. they are appreciative that someone thought about them and extended comfort.”
 
Terry Wilson, a member of SALT, said the idea for the totes was suggested by a friend and Phoebe volunteer, Dorothy Goodwin, who saw some flute bags they made. “We [SALT] wanted a purpose other than just fellowship. So, when it was suggested to me that we make gift bags for the hospital - we got busy.” said Wilson.
 
Since March, the group has donated 160 bags and pillows to Phoebe. Each bag is different, but they all include a small neck pillow, crossword puzzles, toiletries, and a hand sewn tag that reads, “Made with love by the ladies at True Life Church.”
 
Kathy Ray, of Atlanta, recently received one of the totes while her dad was in the hospital. “It was such a sweet surprise, and when I read the tag inside I almost cried. I could feel the love that was put into making the bag.”