TAMMY COAKLEY/THE EXPRESS Shown holding a Veteran’s Love Blanket are Linda Wetzler and Pastor Susan Champion of the Prayer Shawl Ministry with guest speaker Nancy Patchen (right) of UPMC’s Family Hospice program.

MILL HALL — The Prayer Shawl Ministry at Bald Eagle United Presbyterian Church in Mill Hall met on Wednesday, March 5. The group was thrilled to have a guest speaker join their monthly meeting.

Nancy Patchen, MS, RN, with UPMC’s Family Hospice, told the needleworkers about her involvement with UPMC’s Veterans Hospice Care, and how we can wrap a Veteran Hospice patient in love by donating blankets.

Since the Prayer Shawl Ministry has needleworkers who love to crochet, knit or sew, Nancy felt confident in asking the group to contribute to this program by using their skills to make patriotic colored blankets for veterans who are nearing the end of their lives.

Nancy informed the group of how the National Hospice program helps to educate nurses and caregivers in their roles to help veterans during their last days.

According to Nancy, UPMC’s Veterans Hospice Care program mostly helps Korean and Vietnam military men and women who are of age to be entering hospice care, whether they be living in hospitals, nursing homes or able to remain in their own homes.

In order for the Prayer Shawl Ministry to meet Nancy’s request to make “Love Blankets for Veterans” donations are needed. Preferably in red, white and blue colors, the yarn should be new and clean. Donations of cotton material can also be used to create patriotic colored twin sized bed quilts for the veterans as well. Monetary donations will also be accepted to be able to purchase the yarn or supplies needed for crafting the quilts.

Drop your yarn or cotton material donations off to Pastor Susan at Bald Eagle United Presbyterian Church. It’s best to call the church at 570-726-4112 to make sure that Pastor Susan will be there to accept the donations so that they won’t have to be left outside in the weather. There is a covered ramp to the rear of the church that you could bag your donations and leave them there if need be, or bring them to the church foyer on Sunday mornings.

In addition to the patriotic colors, the Prayer Shawl Ministry will accept any colors of yarn that can be used for the many projects that the needleworkers support each year. The needleworkers make colorful hats, scarves, mittens, lap robes, prayer shawls and blankets that are then donated to many organizations in the Clinton and Centre County areas as well as to hospitals in the Williamsport and Danville areas.

If you’d like to help the Prayer Shawl Ministry by offering a monetary donation, you can mail your check payable to Prayer Shawl Ministry C/O Pastor Susan Champion at the church at 111 Main St., Mill Hall, PA 17751.