Last fall I became involved with a group of ladies and men’s wives from Pepperl+Fuchs (a company that makes industrial sensors) who were making items for Touching Little Lives. We meet on our lunch hour and crochet/knit items to be donated. It was such a wonderful experience that I inquired if Geauga County had a local Chapter since that is where I live. I was told that they didn’t, but would I be interested in starting one. I am in the process of trying to do that now.
TLL is a non-profit organization with the mission to “touch the little lives” of needy premature and newborn infants in Ohio, to do all that we can to give them, free of any charge, the necessities that every newborn needs. Their volunteers hand make quilts, blankets, caps, booties, gowns, undershirts, afghans, bibs, sleepers, and other articles.
Unfortunately, there is also one additional need that they sadly meet within our communities; by providing burial layettes for these tiny angels when, for reasons known only to God, they are called to join their Heavenly Father. Our volunteers respond during this time of grieving by providing layettes to these families for their child, a tear sewn into every stitch; a tear of sorrow for the child, a tear of love and compassion for the family.
Each item provided is completely free of charge and no one in the organization receives any salary or compensation for their work. Every penny donated is spent on providing for these little lives. This is truly a charity of the heart, the reward being the personal satisfaction of helping those too young and fragile to help themselves.
In 2012 TLL was able to provide nearly 40,000 items to the babies of Ohio.
Everyone is welcome to help
There are many opportunities available for those that can sew, knit, crochet, quilt, cut out items for sewing/quilting, or who can make embroidered hearts (requires an embroidery machine). Patterns are provided. This can be an outreach program for a church or organization or for anyone that feels the calling to help those in need. Young people can earn community service credits for school and scouting requirements by adopting Touching Little Lives as their project.
If you do not sew, knit, or crochet, please consider having a fund raiser, a yarn drive, or hosting a baby shower. The reality is that everyone is welcome – all you need to have is the desire to touch little lives.
More information is available online. If you are interested in learning how YOU can help, please contact Sandie Simmers at sandiesimmers2010@yahoo.com. As we gather volunteers, a meeting place/time will be determined.
