Who: Nan Stenzel, volunteer at WellSpan Waynesboro Hospital

What: What started as a hobby for Nan Stenzel has turned into a compassionate volunteer opportunity to give back to patients. 

Nan shares her talents by hand-crafting crocheted blankets for patients to use during their stay, which they take home as a lasting keepsake. Since starting in January, Nan has crocheted five blankets and is currently working on a red, white and blue blanket for the Fourth of July. 

Self-taught, Nan has been crocheting for eight years and also enjoys making blankets for family and community members. 

“I feel great knowing that all of the yarn I’ve been accumulating at home is going to a good purpose,” Nan says. “Having something familiar in the hospital can be very meaningful. It means a lot knowing that I’m making something for patients who may need some comfort during a difficult time.”

Words to live by: Nan is one of 17 sewing volunteers across the system – a great example of our team working as one to provide quality patient care. 

Laurie Woods, volunteer engagement regional director and system coordination, appreciates the amount of work and care that Nan and other volunteers put into each blanket – which take approximately eight hours to complete.

“Nan has been amazing and is so kind to provide her own yarn to crochet all of her blankets,” Laurie says. “She is always excited to drop off more. All of our volunteers are so thoughtful and caring to deliver such meaningful gifts to patients. It really is a labor of love.”

Are you interested in becoming a sewing volunteer? Find more information here.