Smithtown, NY - February 26, 2015 - The art of crocheting is an old world tradition that can still bring warmth and comfort to others—and even more, a smile, knowing the looms were made with love. Two sisters of Nesaquake Middle School have taken up the skillful craft of crocheting to bring joy to others at St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center.
Brianna Foster, 14, first took to crocheting because like many young students, she needed to fulfill community service hours for organizations like the National Junior Honor Society and for her church. Brianna’s first project was to make items for a neighbor with Alzheimer's disease to help keep him warm and comfortable. She then decided to make newborn baby hats. Now, she donates eight hats to St. Catherine’s Maternity Department every two months. She has also become a mentor to her mother Rita Foster and her sister Paula Foster, 12.
“Brianna is the one who taught me how to crochet—she has inspired us all to do thoughtful things for others,” said Rita Foster.
Paula recently finished her first piece, which was a blanket, specifically sized for the needs of St. Catherine’s Palliative Care patients. It took dedication and 40 hours to make the three by four blanket, and she intends on continuing to crocheting more.
Photo (L-R): Brianna Foster, 14 and Paula Foster, 12, both students at Nesaquake Middle School.
For more information about St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center, please call (631) 870-3444 or visit stcatherines.chsli.org.