Newborns in Need Seeks Volunteers to Make Teddy Bears

Scouts, high school students and anyone else who would like to help are invited to attend the next meeting of Newborns in Need to help make teddy bears for needy babies.

The Central West Florida Chapter will meet Saturday, Aug. 11, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Bloomingdale Regional Library, 1906 Bloomingdale Ave., Brandon.

At that meeting, members of the nonprofit will create stuffed animals for impoverished or sick preemies and newborns.

Based in North Carolina, Newborns in Need is a 20-year-old national charity organized to take care of needy babies. NIN volunteers provide care necessities to local agencies and hospitals serving premature, ill or impoverished newborns.

Volunteers provide Newborn Immediate Need Kits filled with basic necessities for a newborn during the first few weeks of life including baby wash, sleepers, diapers, wipes and thermometers. In addition, volunteers create blankets, customized clothing, afghans, stuffed animals and quilts.

According to Newborns in Need, approximately 2,000 babies are born into poverty each day in the United States. More than 540,000 babies are born prematurely each year and, for every 1,000 babies born, six babies die.

Last year, 62 chapters around the country distributed more than 450,000 items to needy babies.

The Central West Florida Chapter is led by Valrico resident Sue Mowery.

She said students who participate in creating the teddy bears on Saturday can earn service hours.

The chapter is currently accepting donations of sleepers, newborn diapers, wipes, Ivory soap, material, ribbon, booties and baby yarn.

The chapter meets the second Saturday of each month at the library.

Call Mowery at 813-833-1786.