Dear Stitchers,

Stony Brook University Hospital (SBUH) Senior Administration, has advised us that they are now able to meet the supply needs of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE). They have asked the Stony Brook Stitchers to pause production of the surgical masks that we have been making. If there should there be a surge in COVID 19 cases in the fall and or winter season, the Hospital has asked if the Stony Brook Stitchers would resume production of surgical masks and scrub caps, if needed. We have let the Hospital know that they can reach out to us in the future if they have a need that we can fill.

SBUH is grateful for all the work that you have done to help them through the critical phase of the coronavirus (COVID 19) crisis. They were so impressed by the quality of the workmanship of the surgical masks that were donated to the SBUH.

As a community, our lives are forever changed by this virus. Many things were experienced and learned during this crisis. On March 22nd, when we saw a Stony Brook University Hospital Nurse on national television crying for masks, the entire community reacted. We learned we could become one. We all pulled together as a community with a common purpose. We all wanted to help our Hospital and we did so in the only way we could, through our craft.

The response to the March 22nd Call to Action email requesting help to make surgical masks was overwhelming and humbling. The Hospital and Stitchers received hundreds of emails and calls from the community asking how they could help.

Thank you to all, the new and current members, who reached out to the Stony Brook Stitchers to donate your surgical masks. Thank you for dropping everything, to join a coordinated effort, to supply the SBUH with surgical masks. Thank you to the volunteers that we met in Zoom meetings. Thank you to those we met in various parking lots and homes to drop off and pick up supplies. We found so many creative ways, on the fly, to get the job done. Strangers working together for a common purpose. Many times I heard volunteers say making the masks gave them something positive to do instead of staying at home being afraid of the unknown.  It was the most beautiful thing to be a part of.

The Stitchers Leadership Team thanks you for your willingness to help us bring support and comfort to the Hospital staff.  A Message to all new volunteers: We sincerely hope you will continue to be a part of the Stony Brook Stitchers Family. Stitchers volunteer their time, energy and creativity to lovingly make items for those in physical, emotional or spiritual need. You have a home for your skills with us.

 We need help making christening outfits, comfort pillows, children surgical caps, demise wraps, and memory pouches. You will find the patterns for these items on our website  https://you.stonybrook.edu/stonybrookstitchers/ or stonybrookstitchers.com  Help us service our community hospital.

The words “thank you from the bottom of our heart” has new meaning for us. It’s all so deep. We thank SBUH for letting us play a small part in bringing comfort to the staff. We thank  the volunteers who came together for a common purpose, “to help those in need”. It was an honor and a pleasure working with all of you and hope we can continue working together in the future.

Sincerely,

Jan, Melissa, Maryann & Margaret

May 26, 2020

Please know that all donated masks will be delivered to the Hospital.