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Tenderhearted Volunteer Project

"Hello from the staff at Sinai- Samaritan Medical Center's Neonatal intensive Care Unit in Milwaukee WI.  I started this project in October 1997 after chatting with some ladies on the quilters chat line. Our 50 bed level three nursery is now beginning to reap the rewards of my time at the computer. Our nursery help out approximately 700-1000 babies every year. The babies range in size from 1 pound to 13 pounds on occasion. The babies range in gestational age of between 23 weeks and 40 weeks gestation. 40 weeks being term. The average stay in the nursery is 2-3 months.  We are still in need of the following items as they find homes as soon as they hit our doorstep:

Hats to fit the head circumference of 8-10 inches, made of any bright colored yarn. A pom pom on top is a nice added touch.

CROCHETED PREEMIE HAT--Bonnie Hagerman's pattern

Size E or F crochet hook and either sport or baby weight yarn. All rows are worked in back loop only (BLO) to create rib effect. There is more demand for the larger sizes shown in parentheses.
Chain 21 (25, 29, 32, or 35)
Sc in second ch from hook and in each stitch across.
Ch 1 and turn.
Remaining rows: Sc in BLO of each stitch, ch and turn. Continue this pattern for 30 rows (36, 42, 50, or 56).
Fasten off leaving a two foot tail. Thread this through a tapestry needle. Weave in end of stitches, joining sides of row 1 and the last row. Now continue to weave around the top, pulling tightly and whip stitching to firmly secure the crown. Add a pom or bow.

Small blankets 12 inches by 12 inches in bright colors and soft fabrics, also crocheted and knitted okay.
Click here for pattern: BEV's PREEMIE COVERLET Pretty 12" coverlet/blanket for tiny preemie. (Photo) The developmental coordinator asked me to add these to the list so that the families would be able to tuck their preemies in before leaving for the night. Some mom's and dad's also take them home and sleep with them before placing them in with baby so that they will have their scent on them and the baby will know them.

The Tenderhearted Volunteer Project:
Please send all donations of preemie items to:


  • Sinai Samaritan Medical Center
  • Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
  • 945 North 12th Street, PO Box 342
  • Milwaukee, WI 53201-0342

    • Attn: Anita Herrera- Anderson R.N.

    Please tell Anita that you read about her project on Bev's Country Cottage,
    "Again thank you for responding to my outcry for help in providing those little extras that all little ones deserve. We couldn't do it without the kindness of strangers."

    Sincerely:
    Anita Anderson R.N.


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