Senior center knitters help keep babies warm

Posted February 26, 2017 10:00 pm

Submitted by Anita M. Pacheco, Arlington Heights Park District

Members of the Arlington Heights Park District's knitting and crocheting program in the Senior Center with the handmade items they donated to INFANT, Inc. Courtesy of Arlington Heights Park District

During the winter of 1983, the local news media featured several stories on the problem of infant mortality in Chicago and on the effects of malnutrition on the city's infants.

INFANT, Inc. solicits donations for the purchase of baby formula at the lowest available cost and delivers it promptly to food pantries, shelters and other social service agencies. The formula is distributed at the discretion of their directors, who are knowledgeable in distribution policies.

INFANT, Inc. delivers to approximately 55 agencies throughout the city and in some suburbs for their emergency formula needs.

INFANT, Inc. also distributes layettes for newborn babies to social service agencies that work with young mothers, including homeless shelters or residents for expectant mothers. The social worker will call when there is a mother in need, and then the basket is delivered by a volunteer close to the baby's birth.

Each layette consists of baby outfits, Onesies, receiving blankets, sweaters, a blanket, sleepers, bibs, diapers and a toy. When possible, they try to include handmade items such as blankets or sweaters and caps. This is where Anna Hoffman and her volunteer team of knitters and crocheters have stepped in to help.

On Monday, Feb. 13, Lisa Iberle, an INFANT board member, visited the senior center and gave a small presentation on the mission of the organization and to personally thank the ladies for their contributions.

These ladies donated 60 sets of blankets, sweaters, caps and toys. The care and attention to detail in these creations make them priceless. Hoffman has been teaming up with INFANT, Inc. for six years now, assisting with their mission to provide for families that have no other resources to support their babies.

The Arlington Heights Park District at the senior center would like to thank each of these volunteers for sharing their time and talents.

For details on the knitting/crochet program at the Arlington Heights Park District, call (847) 797-5341.

For information on INFANT, Inc., visit www.infantinc.org.

Sixty sets of blankets, sweaters, caps and toys, all made by the members of the AHPD knitting and crocheting program, will grace the layettes INFANT, Inc. distributes to new mothers in need. Courtesy of Arlington Heights Park District

Anna Hoffman readies the handmade baby items for delivery to INFANT, Inc. Courtesy of Arlington Heights Park District

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