Lutz Senior Center volunteers making beanies for premature babies

A generous organization is helping premature babies by knitting hats for them. Leading the charge here in our area are volunteers at the Lutz Senior Center.

"Beanies 4 Babies" is a group that knits handmade hats for premature babies in hospitals. Monday through Friday, for four hours, the Lutz Senior Center buzzes with the quiet hum of dedication.

"We have so many people that are doing knitting and doing different things and being more creative," said volunteer Rose Liauget. "It's just a pleasure to work with these women, and there's men doing it too." 

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Volunteers at Lutz Senior Center are transforming tiny lives one stitch at a time.

The idea came from Ron Clark, who founded the program six years ago after a visit to a neonatal unit left a lasting impression.

He saw a nurse putting a tube sock on the head of a baby and asked why. The nurse told him that they don't have beanies small enough and babies need their heads warm immediately, because it can be life-threatening to them if their body temperature is thrown off.

"I just was compelled to look for a way to solve this problem," Clark said.

Ron's daughter-in-law, Tayna Clark, has a deep personal connection to this effort with her youngest son being born prematurely. 

"It does make you feel good to know that everyone in every aspect is trying to look out for your baby's interest and help your baby thrive," Tanya stated. 

Since its humble beginnings, the group has made more than 40,000 beanies for hospitals across the country. For these women, it’s a labor of love, and each stitch is a message of care for a tiny life.

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What they're saying:

"It feels so good, I was longing to do something," said Sadie Raghoo. 

"Being able to contribute to children that are in the hospital that were wearing socks to keep their little heads warm," said Liauget.

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Volunteers at Lutz Senior Center are transforming tiny lives one stitch at a time.

The beanies, made in an array of colors and patterns, provide warmth and a perfect fit for premature babies who need it most.

"I think that it's an honor and privilege to be a part of something that changes lives and sets the pathway for success of little lives," Ron said. 

The group’s goal for this year is to make 100,000 beanies.

The Source: Information for this story was gathered by FOX 13's Mark Wilson and Photojournalist Bryan Gray.

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