Contact Us
East Campus – Melissa Shampine @ melissa.shampine@stonybrook.edu
West Campus – Jan Tassie @ jantassie.sbu.stitchers@gmail.com
Frequently Asked Questions:
What does the Stony Brook Stitchers do?
Our members volunteer their time, energy, and creativity to lovingly create items for those in physical, emotional, or spiritual need. Stony Brook Stitchers originated about 18 years ago. Our volunteers are proud to donate handmade baby & adult hats, lap blankets, Afghans, christening outfits, prayer shawls, memory pouches, and baby caps to patients at Stony Brook University Hospital, Stony Brook Cancer Center, the Children’s Hospital and the Long Island State Veterans Home.
Students, faculty, staff of Stony Brook University & Hospital as well as community volunteer groups are welcome to participate in the Stony Brook Stitchers. If you love to knit, crochet, sew, or quilt, please considering joining the Stony Brook Stitchers.
Melissa Shampine, TH Staff Assistant, Cardiac Services, and Jan M. Tassie, are Directors of Stony Brook Stitchers.
East Campus – Melissa Shampine @ melissa.shampine@stonybrook.edu
West Campus – Jan Tassie @ jantassie.sbu.stitchers@gmail.com
Can I join?
Yes, the Stony Brook Stitchers welcome Stony Brook University & Hospital employees, students and members from the external community to join us. We encourage individuals and community groups to join us too! We love to collaborate so that we can assist and provide for more patients in need.
If you are interested in joining us, tell us what type of volunteering you are interested in (knitting, crochet, sew, quilt) and provide us your contact information (name, phone, & email). We will respond to your inquiry and place you on our email distribution list so you will get updates and newsletters.
We welcome external groups who have social knit/crochet gatherings and want to supply the Stony Brook Stitchers with their finished projects to be distributed to patients in need. There are many external groups for you to consider joining while doing great work for the Stony Brook medical community.
Do you teach people how to knitting/crocheting/sew?
Unfortunately, no. We recommend you contact your local school district for adult education offerings, your local yarn specialty store as they often have beginner class offerings. The internet is also a great resource for learning. Search for tutorial videos on YouTube or Pinterest.
Do you have regular knitting or sewing groups?
Most of our volunteers and external groups create on their own time and donate items when they are completed. If you want a social connection while creating, we recommend you look for local groups in your community – such as the library and church groups.
On occasion, we host evening events – like sew-a-longs, or chat & knit/crochet sessions. Join our mailing list and check the website often for those opportunities.
Do you supply free yarn/supplies to the volunteers?
The Stony Brook Stitchers is an all-volunteer organization with a minimal yearly stipend. On occasion, we get small quantities of yarn that we distribute to various groups. Please contact Stony Brook Stitcher leadership to request yarn.
I have completed items to donate. How do I arrange delivery?
Here are two options:
- Email one of the people listed below to arrange the drop-off of your completed items. Mailing addresses have been provided below if that is a convenient option. (Note: we are not able to reimburse for any mailing expenses.)
Melissa Shampine – melissa.shampine@stonybrookmedicine.edu , Stony Brook University Hospital, Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, Level 5, Room 962, Stony Brook, NY 11794-7590
Jan Tassie @ jantassie.sbu.stitchers@gmail.com Email me to make arrangements.
Do you accept yarn donations?
Yes, we will gladly accept new yarn donations that come from smoke and hair-free environments. Because many of the patients have compromised immune systems, we cannot accept old, re-purposed, or contaminated yarn.
Still, have questions?
Please refer to our website. www.stonybrookstitchers.com
You will find information on pattern ideas, measurements, our current needs, Stony Brook Stitcher recognition & awards, and so much more.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please fill out the form below!