November 21, 2008

There's something about a brand new kit that gets the veterans' revved up to work on it.

Ask any one of the over 200 hospital facilities HHV supplies therapeutic arts & crafts, "What is the most popular kit requested by the veterans?" and you will likely get 200 different answers.  Ask again in three months and you could get another 200 different answers!  Why?  "Demand is why," says Mike Lynch, Executive Director of HHV.  "Whenever HHV announces to the hospitals that there's a new kit in the works, they become anxious for their next craft kit shipment.  Word of a new kit spreads like wildfire."

Take the clock kits, for instance.  "The current popularity and demand for the clock kits are off the charts," adds Lynch.  "The benefits of the clock kits, like most of our kits, are threefold.  They send a message to the GI or veteran that you care and appreciate them; they provide valuable therapy to the patient; and when the kit is completed, the hospitalized veteran or GI can feel the pride of a job well done.  The kit can even be used as a gift for a loved one."  Pictured (left) is Army veteran Bruno Lott, proudly displaying his completed Westy Clock Kit.  Lott says, "Without these kits we would go bonkers.  It's such a good feeling to know I'm capable of taking a kit and making something really nice."

HHV regularly seeks feedback from the veterans it serves.  Many hospitals experience a high turnover of patients; as such they are more inclined to receive 'anything and everything' currently in stock.  Some of the more specialized treatment centers are very specific as to which types of kits work best for their patients - such as paint-by-number kits, models, woodworking - kits which requires a higher level of concentration to complete.

Other hospitals express the need for kits which assist with fine motor skills and hand-to-eye coordination, such as leather stitching and large-piece wood kits.  Such kits help the patient regain strength and stability.

HHV strives to accommodate the individual needs of each facility.  "We are here to help those veteran patients receiving care in VA & military hospitals and state veterans nursing homes," Lynch says.  "We do everything we can to fulfill even the most specific requests.  We've even taken veterans' suggestions for new kits and implemented them, leading to brand new items for inventory!"

To view a sampling of the arts & crafts HHV supplies click here.