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“Knowing that people in my community care about me and others receiving chemotherapy treatments means so much," she said. "The gifts of comfort delivered by Warming Hearts of Rockland touch my soul.”
Warming Hearts of Rockland has been delivering gifts to Nyack Hospital since October 2011. The gifts are fashionable re-usable tote bags filled with basic amenities for comfort and are distributed by the organization’s current coordinator, Patti Beutel.
“Our bags are filled with useful items, such as water bottles, puzzle books, a blanket, pen and paper and other supplies, to help occupy their time during the treatment," said Beutel. "Blankets are important as a person can get very cold during treatment.”
The program has been made possible through the efforts individuals, civic and school groups who donate the items for the tote bags. “I act as a program coordinator, accepting donations and assembling the bags, but this project only continues because of community support," said Beutel. "It is not my project; I am just a facilitator.”
Since its foundation in October 2011 by Cathy DeVisser, Warming Hearts of Rockland has distributed more than 650 bags to patients across the county dealing with cancer.
Contributions to Warming Hearts of Rockland are always needed, and supply drives for items make for great service projects, says Beutel. Those interested in collaborating with Warming Hearts of Rockland should contact Patti Beutel at (845) 627- 7514, warminghearts@rocklandny.org or visit them on Facebook.
