Written by Liz Knueven
Photo courtesy of SCAD.
Every Friday since February, a small group of students has been meeting at Bradley Hall to launch a community outreach project with a great deal of mutual benefit. Beads of Love, sponsored by SCAD’s counseling and student support services department, is a result of one woman’s battle with terminal illness and a need for a low-stress social environment.
When Lita Clary, the founder and advisor of the project, lost her friend Jeannie McCarthy to a terminal illness last December, she decided to launch a project which centered around making bracelets.
Every day while being treated for her illness McCarthy would make beaded necklaces or bracelets and then give them away—never charging and calling them beads of love— where she derived the idea and name for the project.
“I received two packages of beads nearly every day in the mail,” said Clary. “I used every one of those beads to start the group.”
In memory of McCarthy, it was decided that the products of the group’s work would go to those in similar situations at Savannah Hospice. Over the course several months, the students had the opportunity to craft and socialize. At final count, the group had made a total of 70 bracelets and necklaces.
Though starting as a community service project aimed at creating a social atmosphere, the students all agreed that it was a tremendous stress relief — one of them even beaded outside of their usual meeting time to get a break and put her time to good use.
“My first quarter was so stressful, and I ended up taking some time out and just started to make bracelets,” said Christina Floyd, a first-year jewelry major from Atlanta, Georgia. She later added that she found it to be a neat opportunity that not only was a great stress relief, but also a tie to her major that also incorporated a community service aspect.
Gabby Berry — another group member and performing arts major from Atlanta, Georgia — added that the group atmosphere was a great environment, and she felt that she could “go and talk about anything” and also do something that she knew would bring happiness to those who need it.
On Friday, May 8, the students had the opportunity to distribute their creations to several of the patients at Savannah Hospice. They were able to see the benefits of their work as they interacted with caregivers and family members who showed unequivocal thanks for their work.
Hoping to grow and continue the program, they look forward to donating more beaded pieces to the local children’s hospital next year.
