Quilting Comfort: South Shore Stitchers’ Compassion Touches Hospice Patients’ Lives

Community Partnership Highlight 💙

NJHealth's Margie Barham (center) accepts quits for patients from South Shore Stitchers Quilt Guild Comfort Care Co‑chairs, Sue Hanlon (left) of Somers Point and Diana Easterday (right) of Mays Landing

The South Shore Stitchers Quilt Guild, based at Tuckahoe United Methodist Church, is a dedicated service‑focused group of talented volunteers who share a passion for quilting and community outreach. Through countless hours of creative and thoughtful work, the guild creates comfort quilts, fidget blankets, walker bags, adult bibs, and other handmade items designed to bring reassurance, dignity, and warmth to those in need.

NJHealth Director of Special Projects and Public Relations presents a donation and plaque of gratitude to South Shore Stitchers Quilt Guild Comfort Care Co‑chairs, Sue Hanlon (left) of Somers Point and Diana Easterday (right) of Mays Landing

Their handcrafted creations support healthcare organizations, first responders, and community groups—helping to calm, support, and comfort hospice patients, children, and individuals living with dementia and autism. We are so honored that they have partnered with NJHealth Hospice and Palliative Care to provide comfort for our patients. 

“The compassion and care stitched into every item created by the South Shore Stitchers truly touches the hearts of our patients and families. Their generosity is a powerful reminder of how much community kindness can mean during life’s most vulnerable moments,” said Suzanne Martinelli, NJHealth Hospice and Palliative Care CEO and Administrator.

Guided by a strong commitment to service, the South Shore Stitchers Guild members believe that handmade items carry a special kind of healing—one stitched with compassion, care, and human connection. Each piece is thoughtfully designed with the recipient in mind, reflecting the guild’s belief that small, personal acts of kindness can make a powerful difference during life’s most challenging moments.

NJHealth Hospice and Palliative Care is incredibly fortunate to receive these beautiful and meaningful creations for our hospice patients. At the guild’s April meeting, Margie Barham, Director of Special Projects and Public Relations for NJHealth, proudly presented the South Shore Stitchers with a $200 donation on behalf of NJHealth, along with a certificate of appreciation to the group’s Comfort Care Co‑chairs, Sue Hanlon of Somers Point and Diana Easterday of Mays Landing.  The donation will support the purchasing of materials.

We are deeply grateful for the South Shore Stitchers’ generosity, compassion, and unwavering commitment to our patients. Their time, talent, and kindness truly make a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve.  

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