A Gift of Love and Connection
Welcome to the Brightest Little Star Volunteer Program, where compassion and creativity come together to support the most vulnerable among us—babies and families in the NICU at Alta Bates/Summit Hospital. For over two decades, this program has been a labor of love, a way to bring hope, warmth, and connection during a challenging journey.
Every stitch you sew carries the power to transform lives. A tiny blanket or a scent doll may seem small, but for a family in the NICU, it represents comfort, connection, and community. By joining our volunteer program, you are extending a hand of kindness to those who need it most. Together, we can create something truly beautiful and lasting.
Our Story: From Heartbreak to Hope
The Brightest Little Star program began with a profound loss that inspired an enduring legacy of love. In 2001, Amy Reid’s son Jonathan passed away in the NICU, a tragedy that left a deep imprint on her heart. Partnering with Suzan Steinberg, owner of Stonemountain & Daughter Fabrics, Amy transformed her grief into action, co-founding a program dedicated to supporting NICU families.
Over the years, Brightest Little Star has grown into a community of talented, compassionate sewists who share their time and skills to comfort NICU families. Together, we’ve donated over 2,000 blankets and scent dolls, each one made with care and infused with love. These handmade gifts remind families that they are not alone during one of life’s most difficult moments.
What began as a small act of kindness has blossomed into a movement of hope, reminding us all that even in the darkest times, love and connection can shine the brightest.
Why It Matters: The Power of Handmade Love
At first glance, a scent doll or a blanket might seem like a simple item. But for families in the NICU, these gifts carry profound meaning.
- For Babies: The scent dolls are worn close to a parent’s skin, absorbing their unique scent. When placed near the baby, these dolls offer comfort and familiarity, soothing tiny, fragile bodies and promoting bonding even when physical contact isn’t possible.
- For Parents: Blankets and scent dolls bridge the emotional gap for parents who can’t hold their newborns. They become symbols of hope, connection, and care, helping parents feel close to their child even in the most trying circumstances.
Here’s what families have shared about the impact of these gifts:
A mother shared:
“I wore those scent dolls everywhere, keeping them close as if I were carrying my babies. Those tiny dolls became my talisman, my comfort. They reminded me that even when I couldn’t physically hold my twins, my love was with them.”
A lactation consultant shared:
“Hi fellow sewists (which, by the way, autocorrects to sexists),
I just want to commend you for supporting and continuing the programs that you partner with at Alta Bates NICU. I am a lactation consultant there, and on numerous occasions have provided mothers with the scent dolls mentioned on your website. One goes with the mother, one with the baby. Each time she visits her baby, she exchanges the scent dolls. It is definitely a way to ease their separation from one another. Babies have an excellent sense of smell, so we know that they appreciate this too! In gratitude, GW”
From the tiniest stitches to the largest acts of kindness, your contributions create ripples of love that touch generations.
How You Can Help
Becoming a Brightest Little Star volunteer is a beautiful way to give back. Whether you sew blankets, scent dolls, or both, your efforts directly support NICU families and make a lasting impact.
- Choose Your Project: Whether you prefer to sew blankets, scent dolls, or both, we’ll provide everything you need to get started.
- Pick Up Supplies: Fabric, patterns, and instructions are provided at no cost.
- Sew with Love: Complete your projects at your own pace, knowing your work will bring comfort and connection to NICU families.
Quick Facts:
- Scent dolls take about two hours to sew.
- Blankets take about one hour.
Every piece you create is a meaningful gift of hope and love.
Next Steps to Join
It’s easy to get started! Simply email us at info@stonemountainfabric.com with the following details:
- Are you an experienced sewist, or would you like additional guidance?
- Are you local and able to pick up fabric in person?
- Would you like to make blankets, scent dolls, or both?
- What’s your timeline for completing and returning your projects?
Once we hear from you, we’ll prepare your personalized kit and arrange a pickup time at Stonemountain & Daughter Fabrics.
Testimonials: The Heart of Our Program
A Mother’s Gratitude
“During my twins’ time in the NICU, I couldn’t hold them, sing to them, or rock them to sleep. But those scent dolls gave me a way to share my love and comfort. They were more than dolls—they were lifelines for me and my babies.”
From Alison Brooks, NICU Partner
“Your kindness leaves an indelible mark on our NICU families. These handmade gifts allow parents to leave a piece of themselves with their baby, fostering connection and comfort during a fragile time. Thank you for your extraordinary generosity. It means more than words can express.”
Get Inspired: Easy-to-Follow Instructions
Ready to start? We’ve made it easy for you to bring your talents to this heartfelt project. Download step-by-step guides for your chosen project:
Join Us Today
Your time, talent, and love can brighten the lives of NICU families. To learn more or get involved, email us at info@stonemountainfabric.com. Together, we can sew hope and love into every stitch, reminding families that even in their hardest moments, they are not alone.