Rye Y Volunteers Create Warmth for Cancer Patients

[October 10] On three recent Monday mornings, a group of volunteers arrived at the Rye Y armed with knitting needles, crochet hooks, yarn and warm intentions. It was all part of special Togetherhood Project for the American Cancer Society and the women—28 in all—were there to knit or crochet caps, shawls and scarves for cancer patients.

Togetherhood is a YMCA social responsibility initiative that engages Y members and local residents in community service projects. Through Togetherhood, the Y has partnered with Don Bosco Community Center, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church Neighborhood Dinner program, Rye Nature Center, Bread of Life Food Pantry and The Sharing Shelf, among other organizations. The project for the American Cancer Society was a joint effort between the Y’s Togetherhood and Active Older Adults programs.

During the Monday morning sessions, the volunteers produced 30 cozy caps and 13 warm shawls or scarves. As they worked, the room filled with friendly chatter, while experienced crafters showed beginners how to get started.

Valerie Guglielmo, the Togetherhood Committee member who coordinated the project, remarked “This project was important to me on a personal level because both my mother and sister had cancer and I’ve been volunteering with the American Cancer Society on the Look Good Feel Better program for over 10 years. I’ve seen the toll cancer treatment takes on the patient as well as the family. Being able to give a gift of a hat and scarves that women knitted from the heart means so much to me.”