Featured Volunteer Judy Carpenter

Volunteer Spotlight

Judy Carpenter

My name is Judy Carpenter, and I live in Iowa City with my husband and three cats. One day late in 2005 when I worked a volunteer shift at the local senior center gift shop, I found a notebook with information on The Preemie Project. It was full of knit and crochet patterns, and as I browsed through them, it was heartbreaking to see the miscarriage wrappers and burial garments. As a fairly recent retiree, I saw TPP as an opportunity to dust off my knitting skills and spend my newfound free time doing something I enjoy that would benefit others. So, when Laura did a presentation at the Senior Center in October 2005, I attended, signed up, and have been knitting for The Preemie Project ever since. I started just with hats and booties but have since made burial gowns as well. Since I’m right here in Iowa City, I have also been able to help on Work Group weekends and contribute baked goods to the craft and bake sales. It has been a pleasure to work with a group of such dedicated and caring volunteers, and it’s gratifying to see the letters of appreciation from parents who have received items from us. I hope to be knitting for TPP for a long time.