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The Beaufort County community continues to find ways to support one another during the COVID-19 crisis, including Blanket Blessings for Hospice, the members of which have been making and donating protective masks to Community Hospice in downtown Washington.

Lila Lilley Everett, the founder of the group, launched the project 18 months ago to assist hospice companies in Beaufort County and 13 other counties in eastern North Carolina.

“We began by providing hand-crocheted and handsewn lap blankets, and handmade adult bibs,” Everett said. “We had so many people ask how they could help, since they were not crafty people, so some members provide items that the patients’ insurance does not cover, such as baby wipes and disposable washcloths. Others donate new yarn and fabric to be distributed to those that sew and crochet.”

The group has grown to 175 members, linked via Facebook, and most members are from Beaufort County.

“We would like to invite anyone interested in our service project to join us on Facebook at Blanket Blessings for Hospice. We are a self supported group, but we do accept monetary donations to purchase baby wipes and disposable washcloths,” Everett said. “With the COVID-19 crisis, a representative from Community Hospice contacted me to see if our group could possibly make facemasks, since they had nothing for protection. The members of our group excitedly jumped on the job. Some donated fabric, and others willingly made masks. We made several styles to begin with, but have now perfected a style that will hold a coffee filter to block COVID and other pathogens.”

Blanket Blessings for Hospice continue to make masks, and Everett has been very pleased with how much hard work members have put in.

“Blanket Blessings meets once a quarter and invites the hospice employees to get feedback on how to better assist them. We donate all items to them at meetings and donate the masks weekly,” Everett said. “It is amazing to have such a great group of ladies in Blanket Blessings for Hospice that are willing to do whatever it takes to assist the hospice patients and their caregivers.”

If anyone is interested in joining Blanket Blessings for Hospice and is not on Facebook, they can contact Everett at 252-923-6381.