Since 2016, various members of Warwick have contributed time, money, and talent to help Family Central, a non-profit, all volunteer parenting support network, extend a loving welcome to nearly 400 babies born each year at St. Anthony Community Hospital Kennedy Birthing Center.
The Newborn Welcome Bags are the brainchild of Family Central advisory member, Amy Sibilla, and have become a community-wide effort. They contain a baby’s first book to promote early literacy; a resource packet on how to support a child’s social, emotional and physical health; and a hand-knitted or crocheted blanket or hat made by volunteers.
Since the program’s inception, different community members have made blankets for the bags. Orla Bronson, when attending S.S. Seward Institute, got her girl scout group, learned to knit and contribute blankets, and for the past two years, Dawn Mazur, a prolific crochet artist from Greenwood Lake, has created over 50 blankets. Most impressive is a group of seniors who also contribute blankets for the Newborn Welcome Bags.
In all, the collective effort of hand-made blankets is nearing 1,000. To learn more about Family Central and the Newborn Welcome Bags, visit www.familycentralny.com or e-mail familycentralny@gmail.com.
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