A small group of students in a dedicated class at Mount Anthony Union High School have spent recent weeks carefully crafting handmade catheter bag covers and adult bibs for patients served by VNA and Hospice of the Southwest Region (VNAHSR). Each stitch tells a story — not just of skill learned, but of empathy in action.
For hospice patients, small details can make an immeasurable difference. Everyday medical necessities, like catheter bags, can feel clinical and impersonal. These thoughtfully designed covers soften that experience, offering privacy, warmth, and a sense of normalcy. Similarly, the handmade adult bibs provide comfort and dignity during mealtimes, transforming a basic need into a more respectful and human experience.
“This project is a beautiful reminder that dignity is something we can give to one another in simple, meaningful ways,” said Mary Pleasant, Hospice Volunteer Services Coordinator from VNAHSR. “These students didn’t just create items, they created comfort. They reminded our patients that they are seen, valued, and cared for.”
For the students, the project has been equally impactful. What began as a classroom assignment quickly became something deeper: a connection to their community and an understanding of how even small acts of kindness can ripple outward.
“I wanted my students to learn about altruism. While they are often recipients of altruistic acts, they needed to know that they are also capable of giving,” explained Cindy Murray, Special Educator at Mount Anthony Union High School. “After I explained to the students what the VNA & Hospice does, they were on board to help. It brought me so much joy to see them carefully working on the projects. One of my students made a U.S. flag themed bib and hoped that a veteran would get to wear it.”
The partnership between Mount Anthony Union High School and VNAHSR highlights the power of community collaboration — where education meets compassion, and where young people learn that caring for others is one of the most important skills they can carry forward.
As these handmade items find their way into the hands of hospice patients and their families, they carry dignity, kindness, and the powerful message that no one is alone.
