Art of Aging: Seniors knit hats for babies

Bethlehem, Pa. (WPVI) -- This past weekend, members of the Auxiliary of Lehigh Valley Hospital-Muhlenberg staged a knit-in.

Grace Ritter is the Auxiliary president of LVH-Muhlenberg.

She said, "We are croqueting and knitting, and of course loom knitting newborn hats."

Their goal? "1,200 hats by July," added Grace.

That's when the hospital's new Family Health Pavilion is expected to open, delivering newborn services for the first time in the hospital's 54 year history.

Della Steward of Allentown said, "How else can you bring joy to a new mom than to say, 'here's a gift for your new baby.'

The group has been hand-knitting and crocheting these tiny toppers since last August.

Dswanda Jones of Allentown said, "What are we calling our catch phrase?" 'Warming babies heads.'"

The Auxiliary also makes quilts for chemo patients, and warm clothing for the homeless. And they're raising money for a healing garden.

Bob Begliomini, VP of operations of LVH-Muhlenberg said, "They really do incredible work and their passionate about their work. They really love what they do."

The Auxiliary has been around as long as the hospital itself. Grace Ritter joined the group 22 years ago.

She said, "It's very rewarding to know that we can make a patient feel a little bit better."

And with the knit-in, they're bringing joy and comfort to moms and their newborns.

Rebecca Ormesher of Bethlehem, Pa. said, "As a grandmother who doesn't get to see her grandchildren, it just makes me feel good to be able to do this."

For more senior activities, visit our Art of Aging section.