The Basket Lady

Several years ago, in a conversation with Donna Landry, the topic of volunteerism came up and we agreed that there’s always a need for more volunteers in our community.

While I certainly do believe that’s true, I also believe that things can get done with just a handful of people.

Margaret Mead said it best, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; Indeed it is the only thing that ever has.

My good friend, Barbara Jean Smith, recently donated a generous basketful of yarn for the Basket Lady to give to the Caring Stitchers, a small but dedicated group of volunteers at the Rumford Hospital headed by Joette Carlton, RNC.

And dedicated they are to crocheting beautifully fashioned lap throws that are given with love to an in-patient at the Rumford Hospital, plus the added bonus of providing warmth and comfort. Please call the information number at 369-1000, and ask how you can donate much needed yarn or volunteer to join in with the Caring Stitchers who’d gladly welcome your talents and hands. It only takes five minutes of your time to make a lifetime of difference.

Marsha Rajaniemi donated a tote filled with baby soft fleece blankets along with a dozen winter caps that someone lovingly and patiently crocheted.

Basket Lady distributed some of the baby blankets for the birthplace nurses at the Rumford Hospital to give to the newborns and several expectant moms to be received baby blankets and new Parent magazines.

Basket Lady is always willing to distribute your donated business or homemade items in the baskets that are made up and given away for others to enjoy.

For example, Dead River Oil donated 2011 wall calendars and refrigerator magnets, Grandma’s Bakery and Dot Wing donated several jars of jams, Western Maine Transportation donated refrigerator magnets and riding schedules, River Valley Healthy Communities Coalition donated walking posters, pencils, refrigerator magnets, brochures on health and nutrition, Safe Voices donated wall posters, book markers and information about support groups and emergency shelters, Community Concepts donated pencils, ink pens and brochures on housing and emergency assistance and Tri-County Mental Health donated pens, notepads and brochures on mental health and crisis services and Western Maine Community Action donated book markers and brochures on their community service offerings.

I’m sure you get the point…at least I hope so.

There may be just one Basket Lady but she’s committed to doing her part to change the world; one basket at a time.

Thank you for a job well-done and for a kindness shown to the following angels in training:

Dr. Lisa McAllister and Swift River Health Care Staff; Joyce Saisi; Barbara Baker Smith, Red Hill Foods; Anne Wood, Betty Wood and Joseph Sirois; Louise Stickney; and Patty and David Duguay.

Remember the theme: Get a basket-Give a basket.

We miss you every day, Dot Sanchas! Until then, smile and live in the present.