Approximately a dozen women in the Panther Valley area are making it their mission to bring comfort to those in need.

Recently, the prayer shawl ministry of St. Joseph Parish of the Panther Valley in Summit Hill donated several handmade items to various initiatives.

MaryEllen Ogozalek, coordinator for the group, said that there have been several groups that benefited from handmade items including trauma teddies; hats, gloves and scarves; fidget muffs and lap blankets or shawls.

“The purpose of a trauma teddy is to provide some comfort,” she said, noting that the teddies went to local police departments so officers could give them to a child during a stressful situation. “It might help soothe them or calm them a little bit in a stressful situation.”

Approximately 130 handmade hats, as well as several dozen mittens and scarves were also donated to Panther Valley Elementary School to distribute to students in need of some warmth this winter.

“We want to keep all the kids warm, because there is a need in this community,” Ogozalek said, noting that the women have been working on these since the spring.

Fidget muffs were also made and distributed to senior living communities in Weatherly for residents with sensory issues.

“We have a great group of ladies who are totally amazing,” Ogozalek said, adding that in addition to these projects, the women also make prayer shawls and lap blankets that are given to anyone in need of prayers and comfort during a rough time.

“We are humbled by the emotions when someone receives a prayer shawl or lap robe. Some of them really are taken back that someone would spend the time doing this and then just donating it.”

She said that if anyone knows of someone who may benefit from these items, they should reach out to the parish office at 570-645-2664 and leave your name, phone number and request and someone from the group will respond.

The group meets at 1 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month down in the social hall of St. Joseph Parish of the Panther Valley, 462 W. Ludlow St., Summit Hill.

The ministry has deep roots in the community, beginning at the former St. Katharine Drexel’s Church in Lansford and restarting at St. Joseph’s in 2017.