MERRIMACK, NH – Area woodworkers and Merrimack High School art students are partnering on a program that helps bring comfort and support to cancer patients by crafting artful wooden wig stands then donating them to cancer patients.
Those involved in the project say that it’s not only bringing joy to those undergoing cancer treatment, but also to those who are participating in creating and distributing the wig stands.
The new program is spearheaded by the Guild of New Hampshire Woodworkers, which represents more than 760 professional and amateur woodworkers in the state, in collaboration with Pink Revolution Breast Cancer Alliance of NH, Amanda Thomas Wig & Mastectomy Boutique in Merrimack, and Merrimack High School.
Guild members create wig stands using wood donated by area hardwood dealers. The stands are painted by students in Hannah West’s Merrimack high art class, and then donated to local cancer patients through the Merrimack boutique, which is owned by Jackie Staiti.
Patients are told they can choose a stand, free of charge, to take home with them.
“Together, we’re making a difference, one wig stand at a time,” said Lauren Caulfield, of Pink Revolution of NH, a Brookline-based alliance that supports improving the treatment experience for cancer patients.
Staiti, owner of the boutique, said that they are excited about being the distribution center for the wig stands.
“They are bringing great joy to the women undergoing chemotherapy,” Staiti said. “A smile comes to their faces when we tell them to choose their favorite stand, compliments of the Granite State Woodturners.”
One of the first patients to get a wig stand said that it came as a happy surprise.
“I was purchasing a wig to wear during chemotherapy and when I was checking out, I admired the beautiful selection of wooden wig stands and the salesperson said ‘choose one at no cost,’” said, the patient. “It was such a nice gift at this time.”
Rick Manganello, who leads the guild’s woodturning program, said in a news release that the first batch of 25 stands was donated to the boutique recently, and the goal is to create 10 stands a month.
He called the project “an incredible collaboration.”
Woodturning involves fashioning a form using a lathe, a machine with a rotating drive that turns the wood that is being worked. Manganello said that as enthusiasm for the program grows, he expects many more turners will be involved.
Manganello said that turning is a captivating craft that inspires attention to detail. “I find that when turning a wig stand for a person facing a life-threatening problem, I’m compelled to put in even more effort to create a meaningful, well-crafted product to ease someone else’s anxiety,” he said.
West said that the project also has a positive impact on her students. “Each and every student in the class had a personal connection with someone who has fought cancer, and they were completely engaged in the process,” she said. “This is a beautiful and meaningful way to serve. Our high school artists are enriched by the chance to look outside of themselves and create something uplifting for the good of another. It was a fantastic experience for all of us.”
The guild members aren’t just creating stands, but also using their talents to embellish them.
Laurie Farrell who heads up the carving subgroup, said, “This is a wonderful example of the guild’s unwavering devotion to promote the art of woodworking,” and demonstrates how generous guild members are.
“I am fortunate to be part of this wonderful organization,” Farrell said.