Operation Warm Head Start Program - Volunteers

Operation Warm Head Start Program volunteers work in their homes or as part of a group in their community making hats, sweaters and blankets for our tiniest patients. Some of the blankets are also distributed to the Program in Women's Oncology so that patients can keep warm during long chemotherapy treatments.

Preventing hypothermia in babies is the focus of our program. Soft colors hats adorning the babies in the well-baby nurseries, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Special Care Nurseries are a hallmark of a visit to see our little patients. These hats prevent the loss of body heat during a time the babies are trying to maintain their body temperature. The hats later serve to keep a baby warm as they venture outside and then become mementos of baby's birth.

Hat patterns fit an average size baby. They are cuffed or uncuffed dependent on the actual baby's size. Caps that are soft, pastel colors are most versatile. Baby yarn is preferred because hats conform better to the tiny heads, but any soft, washable yarn is acceptable. To receive a brochure on this program, please call 401-274-1122 ext.2255.

Some volunteers make small quilts which are used in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, where our premature and sick babes may have an extended stay. The quilts are used to keep light out of the isolets and serve to bring a warm touch in a intensive care unit.

To join our Operation Warm Head Start program contact us at volunteer@wihri.org or send us your name, mailing address and telephone number with any items you make for us. If you have a number of different items you are forwarding, please give us a breakdown of the various items. Click here to access a form on which you can record your contribution.

Crochet Hat Pattern 
Approx. 1 oz soft, washable baby yarn
Chain 4, join with sl.st. to form ring
 

1) Chain 3. Make 9 dbl crochet in ring (10 stitches). Join with slip stitch.
2) Chain 3. Double crochet in same space, then 2 double in each stitch (20 stitches). Join with sl. st.
3) Chain 1. Single crochet in same space, 1 single crochet in the next st. Continue all around (30 stitches). Join to first single crochet with sl st.
4) Chain 1. Single crochet in the same space. 2 Single crochet in the next 2 single crochet in the next one. Continue all around (40 stitches). Join with sl. st. to first single crochet.
5) 18. Single crochet in each stitch. Join with sl. st. Always start with ch.1. Should be 40 st. in each row.
Improvise: By making 2 st. in back row and 2 st. in front row all around. Still 40 st, but makes a small pattern. Suggestion: If you crochet loose, use an "E" hook. If you crochet tight, use a "G" hook.

Should you have any questions, please email the Volunteer Services department.

Where do I Bring My Items?
You can deliver your hand-made articles to Volunteer Services located 300 Richmond Street between 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.. On site parking is available at no charge. Please be sure that your name, address and telephone number are included with each bag that is donated.

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