In a world often filled with hustle and bustle, amidst the rush, Tuesdays at the Milton & Betty Katz Jewish Community Center offer a serene refuge, where a club focuses on compassion and slowing down. The Milton & Betty Katz JCC proudly hosts the Mitzvah Stitchers Crochet Club, led by the talented Ellen Berju. This club, catering to both beginners and experienced crocheters, not only fosters creativity but also serves a noble purpose – creating lap blankets for chemotherapy patients at Shore Medical Center. The free ongoing club meets every week on Tuesdays from 1 – 3 pm in the facility’s lobby.
Since its inception, the Mitzvah Stitchers club has been a symbol of compassion in action. Recently, on Tuesday, April 9, members joyfully delivered their first donation of blankets to Shore Medical Center’s oncology unit, marking a significant milestone in their journey of spreading acts of kindness. Vickie Riskie, Nurse Manager of Medical Oncology and IV Infusion Services at Shore Medical Center, graciously received the beautiful blankets on behalf of the patients. This gesture underscores the power of community-driven initiatives in making a difference in the lives of others.
Reflecting on this momentous occasion, Ellen Berju, the dedicated instructor of the Mitzvah Stitchers Crochet Club, shared her sentiments, “Crocheting goes beyond creating beautiful pieces; it’s about weaving threads of comfort and hope for those in need. Each stitch represents a moment of care and compassion, and I’m honored to witness the impact our club has on the lives of cancer patients.”
Ellen’s dedication to spreading warmth and hope doesn’t stop with the creation of blankets. She has also taken the initiative to personalize each blanket with custom labels, ensuring that recipients remember the club that created their comforting gift.
Brian Adler, Milton & Betty Katz JCC Associate Director and Development Director, echoes the spirit of community kindness, stating, “At the heart of our JCC’s mission is the belief in the power of collective action to make a positive difference. The Mitzvah Stitchers Crochet Club exemplifies this belief, embodying the values of empathy and generosity that define our community.”
The endeavors of the Mitzvah Stitchers club extend beyond Shore Medical Center’s oncology unit. Recognizing the need for support in other healthcare settings, the club also creates blankets for newborns in the NICU at Virtua Hospital in Voorhees. Moreover, driven by their commitment to serve, the club has set a goal of producing 15 blankets monthly to meet the growing needs of cancer patients at Shore Medical Center.
Apart from the tangible impact of their donations, the Mitzvah Stitchers Crochet Club offers myriad benefits to its members. Crocheting, known for its therapeutic properties, enhances cognitive function and fosters a sense of accomplishment. Engaging in activities like crochet can promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve mood, as demonstrated in a study published in the Journal of the American Art Therapy Association. Crocheting involves repetitive motions that can help strengthen hand muscles and improve dexterity, making it an excellent activity for maintaining hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. Moreover, the rhythmic nature of crocheting can induce a state of mindfulness, allowing practitioners to focus their attention on the present moment and temporarily alleviate worries or anxieties.
Ellen Berju’s inclusive teaching approach, accommodating both left-handed and right-handed learners, ensures that everyone can participate and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of crochet.
As the Mitzvah Stitchers Crochet Club continues its journey of spreading warmth, love, and hope, it serves as a shining example of how small acts of kindness can ripple into profound impacts, enriching the lives of both givers and receivers alike, one stitch at a time. If you are interested in joining the efforts to help us expand our capacity, please contact Brian Adler at 609-822-1167 x159 or email badler@jccatlantic.org.
To learn more about the Mitzvah Stitchers, visit
https://www.jccatlantic.org/adult-and-youth/jewish-culture/
The club is free and open to the community. The Milton & Betty Katz JCC provides all supplies.
