MORNING POINTE

News release

Morning Pointe of Danville has partnered with the non-profit program Newborns in Need to donate much needed items to families of newborns in the NICU.

Since 1992, Newborns In Need has worked to ease the transition from hospital to home for families in the first few weeks of life.

It all began when Life Enrichment Director, Nicole Walton, saw a Facebook ad from Newborns in Need looking for volunteers. Many Morning Pointe residents enjoy giving back to the community, and Walton knew it would be perfect for her campus and residents, like Laura Dunagan, to get involved.

“I feel like I am helping in a way that I could not otherwise do, like care for a child. It gives me a good feeling in my heart,” said Dunagan.

The Morning Pointe of Danville building already had pre-made bonnets that could be donated, so Walton met with Newborns In Need national president, Connie Edwards, to pass off what she found. With 32 chapters across the nation, Edwards said the organization has helped countless families during a time they are most vulnerable.

“While I am always proud of the work of all the chapters who help babies in their community, I am also so proud of our chapters who take care of each other. Our volunteers are amazing, starting from children who tie fleece blankets, to the wisdom filled generation knitting and crocheting, stuffing cloth animals, or folding receiving blankets for packing Newborn Essential Kit bags. Newborns In Need allows multi-generational volunteers to work together, contribute and feel valued while caring for the communities they serve,” Edwards said.

As this partnership grows, Walton hopes to donate more than just bonnets. She’s planning on working with her residents to donate stuffed dolls, as well.

“The dolls will be sewn together by a volunteer of ours off site and residents will in turn stuff each doll. We plan to include a small foam heart that will signify the love our residents have for each of the children.”