Group designs gifts for those fighting cancer
Published 7:14 pm Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Women from the Edmundite Center of Hope show off their wreaths they handmade to support those with cancer. The wreaths were given to the American Cancer Society to be auctioned at Relay for Life in April. –Ashley Johnson
It is not rare to find senior citizens knitting a scarf or socks for their loved ones, but Tuesday at the Edmundite Center for Hope, more than 30 senior citizens made something special for people they did not know.
Using pink vinyl tablecloth fabric the women took time at the Center of Hope to string the fabric in strips along clothes hangers and make them into wreaths to support those fighting, or who have survived, cancer.
With Selma’s Relay for Life just weeks away in April, American Cancer Society community representative Bridget Mills said she is excited to use these wreaths as a way to not only inspire others but also to raise more money to find a cure.
“We are a community driven, volunteer-based organization that is focused on fighting cancer, diminishing the suffering of cancer and our goal is to one day live in a day where there is no cancer,” Mills said of the American Cancer Society and this year’s Relay for Life efforts.”
She told those at the Center of Hope that she would put the wreaths to the best use, and put them on display on the night of Relay for Life on April 19. Then, she said, they will have a silent auction for the wreaths and all funds will go to the American Cancer Society in the name of the Center for Hope.
“Again I hope that once they are purchased and donations are given you all will be able to drive by a house this summer and see your wreath displayed on someone’s house,” Mills said to those who crafted the wreaths. She said it would be special to see because those who hang their wreaths on their doors and those who made them have a special connection — they both believe in the fight against cancer.
Jannie Venter, who crafted a wreath at the center, said the wreath, “Will mean the world to somebody,” because the wreaths can be displayed year-round due to the fact that people lose the battle with cancer year-round.
“I think the wreaths would mean so much to anybody even if they didn’t have cancer, I think it would still mean a lot to them because somewhere along the line every family in the world just about has someone that could be touched and if they haven’t had it — who says they wont have it,” Venter said.
Visit Relayforlife.org to learn more about Relay for Life Dallas County.
