Hanscom kids sew quilts for Layette program

  • Published
  • By Karen Guendel
  • 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  Members of Hanscom's 4-H Sewing Club presented four handmade quilts to the Airmen and Family Readiness Center (A&FRC) at the Youth Center on June 18. As part of the Family Services Layette program, the quilts will be used to welcome new babies into the Hanscom community.

Each quilt was created by several children as a community project using donated materials, said Patricia Sabine, the Sewing Club instructor. Ten children including Aiyanna Simmons, Laney Tillman, Jade Milliman and Bailee Cox contributed to the quilts, she said.

According to Ms. Sabine, Sewing Club members learn basic skills, such as cutting, ironing and pinning fabric and sewing straight stitches.

"I actually worked on the baby quilt my first class of sewing," said Jade Milliman.

In addition to practical skills, club members also learn the value of helping others through community service projects like the Layette program. "Everything has to be made with love -- that's the rule," Ms. Sabine said.

Terri O'Keefe and Christina Conzo of the A&FRC accepted the quilts on behalf of the Layette program. "We're very proud of you and thanks so much," Ms. O'Keefe said to the quilters as she admired their work.

The Sewing Club is one of five 4-H clubs on Hanscom Air Force Base. Because of a partnership between 4-H and each of the branches of the U.S. military, 4-H clubs are free of charge to military children. More information on Hanscom's 4-H clubs is available by contacting Julie Frederick at 781-377-6573.

The Layette program is a Family Services volunteer program that provides a free layette to parents of newborns. According to Kathy Vaillancourt of the A&FRC, "Volunteers knit and sew items such as blankets and bibs and assemble the baskets with purchased items valued at approximately $120."

All active duty Air Force members are eligible for the Layette program regardless of rank or number of children. Members of other military service branches are eligible if they reside in Hanscom base housing.

"Family Services always needs volunteer sewers and knitters, and reimburses volunteers for materials," Ms. Vaillancourt said. For more information about the Layette program call the A&FRC at 781-377-4222.