Volunteer Spotlight

Laura Bolton

My name is Laura Bolton and I sew blankets and crib sheets for the Preemie Project. My husband and I live in Pleasant Ridge, MI and we have a son who lives in Houston, Texas.

Two years ago I found the Preemie Project on the internet. I was so amazed at the drive and ambition of Laura Aker and wanted to join this organization. As luck would have it, there was a chapter in my own state—so I became part of the Michigan chapter which is run by Jan Berry.

The talent and creativity of each volunteer in this organization is just incredible to me. I love reading the emails and blog to see how everybody is looking for a new pattern or adjusting a pattern to fit a tiny little one. I love to see the creativity come alive when I look at the pictures. Every item is made with love, care and individuality.

I truly believe that God gave me this talent to help others in need. I cannot imagine the worry and heartache that these families go through when their little one is born prematurely and so ill. Therefore, I find it a privilege to pray for the families and the medical staff as I make a blanket or crib sheet.

I feel that the Preemie Project has given each of us a chance to use our talents and let the families know how much we care for them during a time that is so overwhelming and challenging. I hope that this organization will continue to grow and impact people through the gifts of our hands.

Chris Miller

My name is Chris Miller. I live in Solon, IA with my husband, Dennis, and our youngest son, JC. We have five grown children also. The eight year old was a ‘surprise’, but he is also the reason I was interested in The Preemie Project. He was born 5 weeks early and nothing fit him right, so when I read about Laura and TPP in the paper, I thought “this is something I can do.”

I have really enjoyed being a part of this group! I love seeing what everyone makes and meeting other volunteers. My favorite thing to do is making the hats and booties. I have made blankets and gowns, too, but they don’t go as fast, so I’m always doing two or three projects at a time!

Right now I have a hat, a scarf and a pair of booties on needles. I am proud to be a small part of TPP and hope it goes on for a very long time.

The Relief Society (Dubuque, IA)

We are the Relief Society of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints of Dubuque, Iowa. One objective of this women’s group is to exercise charity and nurture those in need. Last spring we decided the Preemie Project would be ideal for fulfilling this objective because it provides so many varied opportunities to share our talents with others. Every member of our organization can do something for the project: hand-made keepsake cards, knitting, crocheting, sewing, crafting, and donating items.

We have group workdays and also work individually. We have also involved the eight to eighteen year old girls in the project. They have helped on our workdays and created two quilts for donation. In the near future we will be instructing the girls on how to loom preemie hats for donation. We feel it is important for the youth to learn through practice the important principle of service to others.

The women often comment how meaningful it is to be able to bring a little comfort to those who are worried about the welfare of their little ones or are grieving. It enriches our life to know we have touched the hearts of others.

Volunteer Spotlight

Laura Bolton

Chris Miller

The Relief Society (Dubuque, IA)

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