This chapter helps to support camp hope, a camp for grieving children who have lost loved ones, most of them to cancer.  Each year members of the Brevard chapter visit the camp which is held in a secluded area of Merritt island.  It is a restful, protected and therapeutic retreat for those children who come as survivors.  At camp hope, there are counselors and volunteers to assist each and every child, to listen to their deepest thoughts and to deal with their frustrations.

Thank you for telling your friends about UOTS, inc. Cancer service. It is by word of mouth that new volunteers will join our ranks and help to keep UOTS #66 active. 

We are now in the process of assembling special Gift Valet Bags for patients entering Hospice facilities in Brevard County. The tote bags are handmade, along with lap robes and booties (slippers) which are matched and included in each bag. Then personal items such as shaving cream, razors (for men), soaps, lotions, shampoos, paper, pens, lip balms, magazines, etc., are added. Nearly 100 bags will be given this year.

When they are assembled, we will deliver the bags to each of three Hospice Centers where their staffs distribute them to patients. Each bag includes a gift card showing that "This is a gift from UOTS, Inc., Brevard County #66."

We in Brevard County #66 plan to be ready to help them. For Cancer Service information call Sylvia Shapiro (321) 773-0591.

With the support of knowledgeable and caring Board members as well as many other members, we will continue to help cancer patients, the children's camp, hospice, as well as any other related cause that needs us.

We cannot be successful without YOUR help.  We have openings.  Please VOLUNTEER.  We will give you a hand... show that you care as we do.

If any of you have ideas that you believe will help the chapter in any way, please speak up or call me.  We want to grow and appreciate your suggestions.

Craft sales are our big fund raiser.  They started in December in three locations:  Publix Markets in Cocoa Beach, Satellite B each and Indian Harbor Beach.  The third store is their newest and most beautiful (on Eau Gallie Blvd).  We are always in need of workers for various times of the day:  to open, to help sell, mornings, afternoons and to help close.  Get Donor Credit for these sales.

We plan interesting programs for our meetings and fun luncheons.  Your attendance at UOTS meetings will make them complete.  When your telephone caller reminds you of the date, say, "Yes, I'll do my best to be there."

Won't you contact us to join or visit us at our meetings?  Our work is so important!

CAMP HOPE

This unique camp for grieving children who have lost loved ones to Cancer is operated by Brevard Hospice.  We presented our check for $750 and held a pizza party for the children, courtesy of Papa John's.  The funds came from our "Miles of Pennies" cans and are used only for children's camps.

WHAT DONOR CREDIT MEANS AND HOW TO EARN IT....

Every March our chapter holds a Donor Luncheon at a restaurant or hotel to show its appreciation to members who have raised money for our Cancer projects.  They have earned at least $36 donor credit in the following ways:

Bringing in a new member, $1 credit;

Sending our UOTS Tribute Cards to commemorate happy or sad occasions by calling Lois Phillips, 321/724-9592, Chairman.  Anything over $2.50 is credited to Donor;

Working at our craft shows, $1 per hour;

Contributing handmade crafts made by you or a friend; when sold, you receive full credit with your materials or half credit if we ours is used;

Sewing Valet bags for patients entering hospice.  Call Sylvia Shapiro, 321/773-0591, earn $1;

Knitting, crocheting, sewing lap robes for hospice patients, making bootees $1, blankets, $5;

Placing our Miles of Pennies canisters into your doctor's offices, restaurants you frequent, etc., along with our flyers to explain our services and rolling the coins, turning the receipts over to Treasurer Rose Feldman at meetings, for FULL credit; This is probably the easiest way to make donor if you are unable to knit, sew or crochet.

Hosting a card party or "movie and chips" evening for a minimal contribution for your friends/neighbors which you can donate for FULL credit.  (also a great way to get them interested in UOTS and perhaps join);

And, finally, the most obvious, making a donation each month toward Donor at our meetings.

If you can think of any other way, please share your ideas with us.  We all work for Cancer Service so the more funds we raise, the more patients we can help!

SOME FAN LETTERS...

Thank you so much for finding a good doctor for me.  Everything went well.  If it had not been for you I would still be waiting for someone to help me.  You girls are the best!  Betty

Thank you for paying for my mammogram at Cape Canaveral Hospital's Women's Center.  I had breast cancer eight years ago and am having difficulty getting health insurance in this state since moving here a year ago.  Your generosity allowed me to have my annual mammogram this year.  Thank God it was a good report.  Thank you again,  Eileen

Thank you very much.  May God forever  bless you.  I will always have you in my heart.  Brenda

Comment:  Sometimes we forget the suffering others have encountered and how the good we do can alter their lives.  So I say to you all, "Count your blessings (and your UOTS friends among them)."  These letters reflect the comments I hear almost daily so I wanted to pass them on to you.  Sylvia Shapiro.