Local Volunteers Knit and Crochet Blankets and Shawls to Comfort Families of Organ and Tissue Donors
(New Providence, NJ) - NJ Sharing Network’s Wrapped in Love program continues to touch hearts and provide solace to families of organ and tissue donors. In 2024, volunteers handcrafted 883 lap blankets and shawls, each a tangible expression of love, compassion, and support for grieving families.
“These thoughtful gifts offer much-needed comfort during difficult times for our organ and tissue donor families,” said Kelly Bonventre, Assistant Director of Community Services at NJ Sharing Network. “It is truly inspiring to witness the dedication of our volunteers and the outpouring of love they bring to our lifesaving mission.”
The Wrapped in Love program unites volunteers who generously dedicate their time and talents to crafting these heartfelt items. Blankets and shawls are sent to families approximately two years after their loved one’s passing, serving as a meaningful reminder that they are cared for and supported long after the donation.
Barbara Mielnicki of Keyport, mother of organ donor Vincent, expressed her gratitude in a note to the Wrapped in Love volunteers: “The blanket you knitted is beautiful. Words cannot describe how happy you made me. You are all compassionate, caring, and loving people. I will call you, my family.”
Join the Movement
NJ Sharing Network invites community members of all skill levels to participate in the Wrapped in Love program. Whether knitting, crocheting, or assisting with packaging and delivery, everyone can contribute to this impactful initiative and make a difference for donor families. For more information about Wrapped in Love and how to get involved, contact Iveth Gonzales at IGonzales@njsharingnetwork.org.
PHOTO CAPTION – Wrapped in Love volunteers knit and crochet blankets and shawls at NJ Sharing Network’s headquarters in New Providence, NJ. (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)
About NJ Sharing Network
NJ Sharing Network is a federally designated nonprofit organization dedicated to saving and enhancing lives through the recovery of donated organs and tissue. Headquartered in New Providence, NJ, NJ Sharing Network partners with 54 local hospitals to bring hope to nearly 4,000 New Jersey residents awaiting a lifesaving organ transplant, while also contributing to the national effort to support over 100,000 individuals on the U.S. transplant waiting list. With over three million New Jerseyans registered as organ and tissue donors, the organization has reported organ donation records for six consecutive years. NJ Sharing Network is consistently ranked among the top-performing organ procurement organizations (OPOs) in the nation and was honored as NJBIZ’s 2024 Nonprofit Business of the Year. It has also been recognized as one of New Jersey’s ‘Best Places to Work’ for seven consecutive years, reflecting its commitment to fostering an innovative and mission-driven workplace. To learn more, get involved, or join the National Donate Life Registry as an organ and tissue donor, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.
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