The death of a child whether by miscarriage, still birth or infant death is a devastating event in a parent’s life. Afghans for Angels, California Chapter, is an organization made of volunteers who make and distribute baby afghans to parents who have suffered the loss of their baby. The organization has been active throughout the United States since 1996, although the California Chapter is just two months old.
Huntington Memorial Hospital is one of five California hospitals that have recently begun receiving the beautiful baby blankets. The afghans are placed around the infants when they are held by their families for the brief time in which “hellos” and “goodbyes” are said. The parents are then allowed to keep the afghans as a token of remembrance.
The organization is in the process of contacting hospitals throughout California, and is hoping to receive permission to deliver afghans to as many hospitals as possible. Afghans for Angels is seeking volunteers who have the time and talent to knit, crochet or quilt these special baby blankets. The group also needs donations of yarn. The afghans are generally small, just 15” square to about 24” square, and therefore do not require much in the way of time and materials. Afghans for Angels plans to reach out to residents in local senior facilities who would be interested in using the yarn to knit or crochet afghans. Only a phone is necessary for hospitals and volunteers to become active in the organization.
To receive afghans at a local hospital, donate yarn, knit or for more information, visit www.afghansforangelscalifornia.com, or call Cathy Ude at (626) 289-8019.