While you are sheltering in place, we continue to welcome your volunteer support during this challenging time. Samaritan is looking for people with big hearts and generous spirits to join our volunteer team.

Your heart can touch someone else's heart...

Support Samaritan's families by making mini clay heart keepsakes

Samaritan’s pronouncement ritual includes clay hearts that our staff present to the family after the death of their loved one. It is a cherished symbol that they will keep - from your hands to the hands of the family. Enjoy this short video about the hearts: https://youtu.be/uMxMMVrQwu0

It is essential that they are made to the below specifications in order to fit into the small velvet bags they are kept in.

Make as many as you like - once or ongoing. Service hours awarded. Supplies NOT provided.

SPECIFICATIONS

We require mini hearts (1.5" wide, ¼" thick) so they fit inside the velour bags. The thickness is important so they do not snap when held.

Supplies:

• Sculpey brand clay (other brands do not harden as well). You can find it in many craft stores and online, including, Polymer Clay Superstore https://polymerclaysuperstore.com/search?q=sculpey+iii&type=product.
• Heart cutters - mini (1.5" wide) (see following links)

Amazon.com: Single red cutter: https://smile.amazon.com/Cookie-Cutter-Red-Heart-Shape/dp/B07P53TNKQ/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=heart+cutter+1.5%22&qid=1601384717&sr=8-3

Single stainless cutter: https://www.amazon.com/Mini-Heart-Cookie-Cutter-1-5/dp/B06Y115GJQ

Single stainless cutter: https://smile.amazon.com/Fox-Run-3370-Cookie-Stainless/dp/B0000CFTS3/ref=sr_1_57?dchild=1&keywords=heart+cutter+1.5%22&qid=1601384995&sr=8-57

Hobby Lobby: https://www.hobbylobby.com/Crafts-Hobbies/Clay-Molding-Sculpting/Clay/Heart-Clay-Cutters/p/23108?gclid=Cj0KCQjwtsv7BRCmARIsANu-CQcmUgqRl9fFE8SkIFaXbOphfFllrkpdxAn81Tvx7i9iVBf-5bfMYs8aArHlEALw_wcB

Etsy.com: Single cutter: https://www.etsy.com/listing/452593646/mini-heart-15-cookie-cutter-valentines?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=1.5%26quot%3B+heart+cutter&ref=sr_gallery-1-4∨ganic_search_click=1

Set of 12: https://www.etsy.com/listing/228705367/1-dozen-mini-heart-15-cookie-cutters?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=mini+heart+cookie+cutter&ref=sr_gallery-1-3∨ganic_search_click=1

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Make hearts 1/4" thick - durability is better than quantity; if they are too thin, they will break.

2. Marble the colors

• No solid-colored hearts
• Use black and dark brown clay sparingly.
• Do NOT coat with any type of glaze or spray

3. Press or roll out clay and cut out with 1.5" mini heart cookie cutter.

4. Bake at 275 degrees for 15 minutes per 1/4". The hearts don’t spread like cookies, so you can load the tray.

Let cool, and you're done!

Any amount is welcome either ongoing or one time. All donations are greatly appreciated! We would also love to have pictures of your project to post to social media. You can email the pictures back to me.

Finished hearts may be delivered or mailed to Samaritan's administrative office: Sharon Wenner, Samaritan, 3906 Church Rd, Mount Laurel, NJ 08054.

Please include a note with your name and address so we know they are from you and can send a thank you note.

Thank you so very much sharing your heart!