Handmade Items

In-kind gifts are contributions of goods or services. Many of the in-kind gifts that Bronson receives are handmade; knitted, crocheted, sewn or painted. Bronson would not be able to provide these items to our patients without the generosity, time and talent of people in the Kalamazoo community and beyond. In-kind gifts provide comfort to patients in Labor & Delivery (L&D), Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Pediatric Unit, Mother Baby Unit (MBU), Pediatric Surgery and Rehabilitation.

• General Guidelines & Delivery
• Baby Hat Guidelines and Size Chart
• Premature and Newborn Size Chart
• Standards and Guidelines for Crochet and Knitting

For the safety of our patients, donated items must be free of smoke, pet hair, dust and mold/mildew.

Pillowcases

The Pediatric Unit uses colorful, fun pillowcases to brighten their patient's bedding.

• Guidelines: Standard pillowcase size; please no used pillowcases
• Suggestions: Kid-friendly prints, fleece, satin border on the open end
• View patterns and tutorials

Patient Gown for Surgery Buddy

The child may put a "patient" gown on their doll, stuffed animal or surgery buddy and take it into surgery. Doll Gown Pattern

Isolette Covers (Quilts)

An isolette, also called an incubator, is an enclosed bassinet used in the Neonatal Intensive Care. The cover is placed over the isolette to keep room light from the baby.

• Guidelines: Washable materials; bottom layer: dark colored fabric; top layer: baby-friendly pattern and color(s); quilted or thick enough to block light; size: 40” x 50”; durable to last through hospital laundering; please no tie quilts or embellishments such as ribbon, buttons, etc.

Memory Envelope

Memory envelopes are keepsake envelopes given to the grieving family after the loss of their baby. Bronson will place items in the envelope such as the birth certificate, photographs of the baby, a lock of hair, footprints, etc. The construction and fabric should be of the highest quality, as it will be a long treasured keepsake to remind the parents of the baby they lost. More information and pattern.

Memory Boxes

A Memory Box is a decorated Paper Mache box that is given to parents coping with the loss of a baby. The box is filled with mementos of the child; photograph, footprints, lock of hair, to acknowledge the child’s life.

Paper Mache boxes may be made or purchased at craft stores.

Paint the box. You may use Wallies (similar to decals), rub-on transfers, stamps, stencils or a decoupage technique.

Seal and varnish the boxes as the families will keep them for a long time.

Walker Bag

Patients place these on their walkers to hold their personal items. Walker Bag Pattern

For more information, email inkinddonations@bronsonhg.org or call (269) 341-8754.

Teddy Bears

Bronson's Bereavement Service provides support to parents coping with the loss of a baby through miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth, SIDS, newborn or early infancy death. These parents have precious few tangible items with which to remember their child. One item the staff likes to give the parents is a hand knit or crocheted stuffed bear. Teddy Bear Patterns

Ribbon Snuggler

Ribbon snugglers are used in the Emergency Department and Pediatrics for infants to cuddle with and keep them distracted while they are being treated. Ribbon Snuggler Pattern

Blankets

Receiving blankets, afghans and quilts are used by:

• The Volunteer Baby Guild in layettes given to babies-in-need born at Bronson
• Babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
• Infant through teen patients on the Pediatric Unit

Baby Hats

All babies born at Bronson are given a handmade hat to help them maintain proper body temperature. See above Baby Hat Guidelines and Size Chart. Patterns

Bereavement Pillow

An 8”x10” rectangular flannel pillow with a 4” wide x 4 ¾” tall pocket for a small booklet.

Surgery Buddy

A doll that resembles a gingerbread man, buddy is used before surgery to assess the child's feelings and help the child prepare for and cope with their surgery. Buddy is part of the treatment process. The child may take their buddy home. Medical Play Doll Pattern, Medical Play Doll - Step-by-Step Instructions

Angel Wraps and Gowns

These are used in Labor and Delivery for pregnancy loss (miscarriage) situations. See patterns.

Contact Us

For more information or to schedule an appointment to see samples, contact us at:

Bronson Volunteer Services
(269) 341-8754
InKindDonations@bronsonhg.org