BFMC to Host Artisan and Craft Fair to Support Patient Comfort on Dec. 7

GREENFIELD — The holiday season is a time of tradition, and Baystate Franklin Medical Center (BFMC) has one of its own. For nearly 40 years, current and retired employees and volunteers have come together to bring their wares to market in an effort to support hospital programs.

BFMC’s annual artisan and craft fair will take place on Friday, Dec. 7 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the hospital’s main conference rooms and lobby. The public is invited to attend. Items for purchase include totes, jewelry, wood crafts, games, bath and beauty products, pottery, candles, fabric, wreaths, maple products, knitwear for winter, and toys.

The proceeds from this year’s fair will be used to purchase items for the hospital’s Comfort Cart, a surplus of eyeglasses, earbuds, books, toys, and other items requested  by patients that may have been left behind at home.

“When someone isn’t feeling well, we want to do whatever we can to help them,” said Pat Misiun, Volunteer Services staff assistant. “Sometimes providing the small things can make a big difference.”

The craft fair, which is organized by the Volunteer Services department, serves multiple purposes, explained Becky George, manager of Volunteer Services.

“This annual event was established as a way to provide a holiday shopping opportunity for employees and has expanded to include the community, which has embraced this as a holiday tradition,” she said. “It feels good to help your neighbors who may be patients at the hospital, and buying from local folks is important not just during the holidays, but throughout the year. Not to mention, these are artisans who are donating their time, talent, and proceeds to give back. Giving a gift that you purchase at the fair means you have also brightened the day of a patient; that feels like an added bonus.” 

For more information, call (413) 773-2318.