A bag full of superhero- themed goodies for a six-year-old undergoing chemotherapy for cancer and willy warmers for the front line are among the varied creations of a crafty Holbeach group.
The Crafty Bees meet at Boxes of Hope every Thursday from 10am to 12pm and carry out a host of projects.
Last Thursday they presented their latest creation, a bag, sweat shirt, T-shirt and teddy all adorned with superheroes to be presented to the six-year-old the family of whom wish to remain anonymous.
It’s to be dropped off for the child by Holbeach Hospital charity shop manager Jenny Spencer who came along for it to be handed over.
“The child in question is currently going through more chemo, so it not in a good state at the minute and is a little bit down,” said Jenny. “This will cheer him right up.”
The group have also finished making another superhero themed bag of goodies for another youngster who has a form of cancer they’re looking to drop off soon.
“I think what they’ve done is beautiful,” said Mandy Baxter who set up and runs Boxes of Hope from its High Street base.
Among the other items that they’ve made as a group and donated are sensory sleeves for care homes, teddy bears to be handed out to children who have to go into refuge following reports of domestic abuse and clothes that are put on dolls that are given to dementia patients.
“The people with dementia really care about these dolls,” said Jules Hopwood, the leader of the Crafty Bees, though she won’t say as much. “We provide a host of different stuff to care homes and those that need it.
“We have a really thriving community here and are always doing new stuff, and people can have a natter and meet others at the same time.
“I’m sure people can tell they’re made with love.”
One particular item they’ve created has led to a few giggles – willy warmers.
Boxes of Hope was set up to help Ukrainian refugees after Russia’s invasion of the country three years ago.
It still sends aid to the country and has been making shoe boxes which includes items both practical and to keep morale up.
The Crafty Bees had the idea to come up with willy warmers to put in the boxes.
“We call them MAPs, which stands for Military Appendage Protection, because we kept getting the giggles calling them willy warmers,” said Jules. “There’s a very serious point to them though.
“Ukraine can be really cold and you don’t want to lose the feeling in it because it can lead to kidney infections.”
