The Jaffrey Public Library’s philanthropic crafting group, Hands with Heart, is joining forces with the Jaffrey Woman’s Club, ensuring the continuation of its community-focused mission.
The partnership comes as Library Assistant Eileen Eber, who leads Hands with Heart, prepares for her upcoming retirement, alongside Library Director Julie Perrin, who will soon depart for a move to Vermont.
“It is unique to have a library crafting group that meets for a purely philanthropic purpose. I needed to be sure that the great work of Hands with Heart would continue after both Eileen and I are gone, and partnering with a like-minded organization like the Jaffrey Woman’s Club will ensure its future, Perrin said.
“The JWC already does so much for the community, and several members attend Hands with Heart each week at the library. It is a natural collaboration of two organizations who share a mission of providing community support,” she said.
Perrin presented the idea to the JWC board on May 5, where it was met with unanimous approval. JWC member Cathy Mills, who is also active in Hands with Heart, supported the initiative.
“Caring for our community is a core mission of our Club and I’m honored to be part of this program,” Mills said.
Hands with Heart members use their creative talents to meet a wide range of community needs. The group supports organizations including Monadnock Community Hospital, Knitted Knockers, Project Linus, Hundred Nights Homeless Shelter, and Mildred’s Mittens. Their handmade contributions include chemo caps, breast prosthetics, NICU and preemie caps, blankets, mittens, and stuffed toys for children visiting hospital labs and emergency rooms.
Under the new collaboration, the group will continue to meet at the library, while JWC members will help identify projects and coordinate the distribution of completed items.
Hands with Heart is open to all and meets each Thursday at 10:30 a.m. in the library’s Bean Reading Room. For information, call the library at 603-532-7301.