North Oaks Forms "Common Thread" Needle Arts Group, Seeks Volunteers to Knit or Crochet Shawls and Lap Blankets

“Common Thread,” a needle arts group recently formed by North Oaks Volunteer Services, is seeking volunteers to knit/crochet and donate shawls and lap blankets of various sizes to North Oaks Medical Center and North Oaks Rehabilitation Hospital patients.

“If you can knit or crochet a simple pattern, you have the opportunity to bring warmth and comfort to patients facing serious health challenges,” explains North Oaks Volunteer Services/Foundation Director Staci Arceneaux. “We accept donations year-round. This means volunteers can work at their own pace.”

Those interested in becoming Common Thread volunteer knitters and crocheters may click here for pattern downloads, yarn specifications and program information.

Once completed, each shawl and lap blanket should be washed and dried alone to remove any potential allergens. Next, place it in a sealed plastic bag with a note containing your name, mailing and/or email addresses and the style name given to your creation (if desired).

Shawls and lap blankets can be delivered in person to the North Oaks Volunteer Services Office on the first floor of North Oaks Medical Center at 15790 Paul Vega, MD, Drive in Hammond. Donations also can be mailed to North Oaks Volunteer Services, c/o North Oaks Medical Center, P.O. Box 2668, Hammond, LA 70404.

A “Common Thread” label and note containing words of comfort will be affixed to each shawl and blanket received. Patients will be able to choose a shawl or blanket from a book cataloging and describing available inventory.

To learn more about the Common Thread program, call North Oaks Volunteers Services Director Staci Arceneaux at (985) 230-6674 or North Oaks Vice President of Strategy and Outreach Tracy Randazzo at (985) 230-6080.