Photo of Lyn Coupal and her sister Lori Gauthier learning to sew at Generator Makerspace so that they can participate in the production of the shower bags during the community fabrication events in December.
The Burlington community is invited to help produce shower bags for UVM Medical Center Oncology Unit (No experience required)
Vermont Business Magazine Generator Makerspace will host a community sewing workshop over two days in December dedicated to supporting breast cancer patients receiving care at the University of Vermont Medical Center's Oncology Unit. The workshops will take place Saturday, December 13, and Sunday, December 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Generator Makerspace in Burlington.
The goal is to produce as many shower bags as possible in support of patients recovering from breast cancer surgery. The bags provide a simple but meaningful way to offer comfort, dignity, and convenience during treatment and recovery—allowing patients to shower hands-free while managing post-surgical drains.
The project is being led by Lyn Coupal, a two-time breast cancer survivor who is turning her personal experience into action to help others. After her second surgery, Lyn received a shower bag from the hospital that allowed her to bathe safely and independently. Realizing that these essential items aren't always available to patients who need them, Lyn decided to take matters into her own hands.
"These small items make a big difference during recovery," Lyn shared. "I wanted to help make sure others have what they need."
Generator Makerspace is proud to support Lyn's initiative by providing space, resources, and community coordination to help bring her vision to life.
"Every stitch represents care and compassion from our community," said Veronica Newton, Senior Director, Programs & Partnerships at Generator Makerspace. "We're thrilled to bring people together around a project that will make a significant impact in the lives of others."
Community Volunteer Support Requested
This initiative has already received generous support from April Cornell, along with several experienced sewists from the area. But with more help we can have an even greater impact! Generator is inviting community members to donate additional materials and to join us for a FREE sewing workshops on December 13-14 to help with bag production (no experience required).
Workshop Details
The workshops are free to attend and open to participants of any experience level. Basic sewing experience would be beneficial, but is not necessary as not all jobs will require sewing. Together, volunteers will work with Generator staff and Lyn to produce as many shower bags as possible to be donated to the UVM Medical Center.
Workshop Dates & Times:
Saturday, December 13 & Sunday, December 14, 2025
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. each day
Cost: FREE
Volunteer Registration Link: https://bit.ly/showerBags
Location:
Generator Makerspace
40 Sears Lane, Burlington, VT
For more information or to register as a volunteer, visit https://bit.ly/showerBags, or contact [email protected].
Material Donations Needed
Donations can be dropped off at Generator Makerspace through Friday, December 12, 2025. Requested materials include:
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100% cotton fabric or remnants (any color or pattern, no synthetics)
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Thread (any color)
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¼-inch ribbon (for tying)
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Sewing Machine Needles
Please contact [email protected] with any donation questions.
About Generator Makerspace
Generator Makerspace is a community-based nonprofit that supports entrepreneurs, innovators, and makers through accessible tools, resources, and education. We provide the space, equipment, and collaborative community needed to transform ideas into reality, fostering the next generation of Vermont businesses and creative ventures.
Burlington, VT — [Wednesday, November 12] — Generator Makerspace, www.generatorvt.com
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