Nurturing Newborns in Need
Premature and newborn babies have a champion in Newborns in Need, which provides everything our littlest ones require, included knitted clothing.
Newborns in Need is a most deserving charity, dedicated as it is to fulfilling the needs of premature and newborn babies all over the country.
Although their craft charity makes up only a small part of the wide range of services Newborns in Need offers, it's an active one that provides garments to thousands of needy children every year. Volunteers don't just knit -- they also sew and crochet these much-needed items.
BIG HELP FOR THE LITTLE BITTY
Carol Green founded Missouri-based Newborns in Need in 1992; in its own words, the organization has been serving God's tiniest children even since then. While its services are always available, they really gear up in times of crisis.
Among other things, Newborns in Need has helped infants and their families during the Hurricane Katrina/Rita relief efforts on the Gulf Coast in 2005, and during the disastrous aftermath of the Oklahoma Tornado disaster in 1999. The labors of volunteer knitters were especially significant during both crises.
BABY LOVE
Among other things, Newborns in Need donates pacifiers, T-shirts, onesies, wipes, bottles, sleepers, afghans, and hygiene products to babies in hospitals, homeless shelters, crisis centers, foster homes, and medical clinics all over the country. Last year, they delivered an amazing 495,311 items; this year, they hope to beat last year's stats.
Not all of the delivered items were knitted, of course, but a significant percentage were. Especially important are the baby afghans they regularly deliver to their charges, as well as the booties, hats, and the burial garments. Teddy bear sweaters for these babies' best friends are also popular.
HERE'S HOW TO HELP
If Newborns in Need is a charity that tugs at your heartstrings the way it does mine, you can learn more about getting involved with their knitting programs at the Newborns in Need website.
You can download a variety of free knitting and crochet patterns, for everything from infant afghans (in two types) to knitted hats, booties, and burial buntings. They ask that you stick with their patterns, since they're the result of years of trial and error. (Quick, easy patterns are a must under the circumstances.)
The type of yarn you should use for your Newborns in Need items varies according to the style. Keep in mind that, with the exception of burial garments, these are items that need to be able to handle repeated washings -- so use appropriate materials. Bright colors are always welcome!