Patients staying at Hope Hospice are offered the opportunity to turn a favorite piece of clothing into a Personal Treasure.

According to Hope Hospice President and CEO, Samira K. Beckwith, the program started two years ago to bring joy to hospice patients and their families.

Sewing volunteers transform the articles of clothing into keepsakes for a patient’s family. Recently, a patient’s favorite bowling shirt was sewn into a teddy bear.

“To help preserve the memory, we asked our volunteers to create keepsakes, such as cuddly bears or cozy pillows out of the patient’s clothing, as requested by the family,” she said.

Since the program began there have been 300 Personal Treasures created out of old skirts, blankets, sport jerseys and bathrobes, said Beckwith.

“It’s one more special kind of care that we provide for families, to give them special memories to hold in their hearts,” said Beckwith.

Beckwith explained that many families have said that the Personal Treasure will always bring back memories of their loved one.

Hope Hospice, licensed by the state since 1984, has three Lee County locations in Cape Coral, Fort Myers and Bonita springs. They administer support groups for families and run the Rainbow Trails grief support camp for kids every year.

Patients receive a number of services including art therapy, music therapy, massage therapy and aromatherapy.

For more information about Hope Hospice, visit www.hopehcs.org.