Volunteers knit shawls, lap robes for residents at Wesley Village in Shelton

Contributed photo

SHELTON - The Wesley Village Prayer Shawl Ministry donated 2,540 hours to knit 49 shawls and 29 lap robes to help comfort those in need. 

The Prayer Shawl Ministry is a group of residents, staff, former staff, and volunteers who gather regularly to knit and crochet for those going through a challenging time.
Since 2004, nearly 3,500 shawls have been given away. 
A tag with a message of hope and love is attached to each shawl before it is presented to someone.

Recently the Prayer Shawl Ministry gathered with Wesley Village residents and staff for the annual ceremony to bless the shawls, recognize volunteers, and share heartfelt stories of how the shawls have brought joy to many recipients. 

Wesley Village Chaplain Cathy Nickse presided over the “Blessing of the Shawls.” She said,  “I am the lucky one, because I see the huge smiles that light up the faces of the people who receive the shawls, many times during my hospital visits.” 

Nickse continued, “If you can imagine a shawl being like a big, loving hug wrapped around someone - that is what it feels like to them.”

Marissa Salvesen, Manager of Mission Development for UMH, said, “Volunteers from Wesley Village and the surrounding community work together throughout the year to raise funds to purchase yarn and knit shawls and other items to share with others.” 

Salvesen coordinates the prayer shawl effort.

She said,“We are so grateful to our devoted volunteers for all their hours of time and love.”

The Wesley Village Campus is located at 580 Long Hill Ave. It includes: Crosby Commons Independent/Assisted Living Community, Wesley Heights Independent/Assisted Living Community, Lifestyle Transitions Assisted Living/Memory Support Community, and Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center. 

The campus is owned and operated by UMH, a local, mission-based, not-for-profit organization.

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.