Farmington Valley Woman's Club Sews Thousands of Items for Hospitalized Babies, Cancer Patients

In 1998, Vera Hemphill noticed in the newspaper that UConn Health Center was requesting baby clothes for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and pillows for cancer patients.  Vera's husband was the first open-heart surgery patient at UCHC and she felt that responding to the hospital’s request would be a good way to express her gratitude and thankfulness.  On her own, Vera made over 600 items that first year for premature babies and cancer patients.  

Vera's efforts are now supported by her fellow members of the Farmington Valley Woman's Club.  As chairman of the Club’s cutters and sewers group, Vera regularly gathers members together at her home to cut and sew.  The FVWC contributes to the cost of the fabric.   Since 1998, 2,107 comfort hats, 886 pillows, 1,480 baby pajamas and gowns, and 821 flannel blankets have been donated to UCHC!

The cutters and sewers group was founded by one woman, Vera Hemphill, who for 15 years has scouted fabric stores, laundered fabric, cut and sewn patterns, and packaged and delivered items to the hospital.   Vera continues to be the force behind the work she and the FVWC do to provide baby gowns, comfort hats, pillows, and blankets to the hospital.  The members of the Farmington Valley Woman’s Club share with Vera the satisfaction that comes from contributing and helping others.  

Vera is pictured by her sewing machine at a recent cutters and sewers group meeting  Six FVWC members joined her that day to cut and sew items that they hope will comfort babies and cancer patients. 

The cutters and sewers group is one example of the activities the GFWC/Farmington Valley Woman’s Club undertakes in support of community projects.  Information on the Club is available at www.fvwomen.webs.com.   New members are always welcome.

Submitted by the FVWC.