The Caring Ladies are a group of dedicated crafters who volunteer to knit, crochet and sew hats and blankets for preemie and full-term babies. Our membership is centered around the South Side of Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. For more information you can visit our webiste www.CaringLadies.org.

Our Meetings

The Caring Ladies meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month at 6:30 pm in the Parish Center at Saint Christina Church at 11066 S. Christiana in Chicago. It is always a good idea to check our website at www.CaringLadies.org to make sure the meeting has not been moved or canceled due to inclement weather or the parish needing the room for another purpose.

If you can not attend a meeting, don't worry! Attendance at meetings is optional. Some members have work and family conflicts that prevent them from attending, others live out of state.

How You Can Help

Join! Membership is free! You give your time, materials, and the love that you put into the craft that you enjoy. There are no membership requirements, other than a desire to help others in need.

Donate! We are not a 501(c)(3) organization at this time, but you can be assured that your donations are greatly appreciated and will definitely be used to complete our task of creating these items for babies that desperately need them. Donations of any material or supplies used for knitting, crocheting, or sewing are always welcome.

Start Crafting!

If you are ready to start today, here are some guidelines for sizes and materials for you to follow. It is very important to follow these guidelines because all of the items that we create are donated to hospitals that have strict requirements regarding construction, materials and processes. This is because of allergic and safety precautions, since these items are given to infants. More information can be found on our website at www.CaringLadies.org.

• Blankets and hats can either be knitted, crocheted or sewn.
• Any pattern and color is okay (if you do not have a favorite pattern, please check our website or ask a member for their suggestions).
• You should use a soft (baby type) yarn, but a soft 4-ply is also okay. Caron Simply Soft is a good choice.
• Blanket sizes should be from 15" to 20" square.
• Hats should not have any pom poms.
• When items are completed, please hand wash in cool water - no soap or detergent.

After your items are completed you can drop them off at our next meeting or contact us for shipping information or to arrange pickup at your location.

Our History

Early during the Summer of 2006, we learned that our area hospitals have an ongoing need for small knitted or crocheted hats and blankets for the babies in their nurseries. These items are used to keep preemie and some full term babies warm.

This is how the Caring Ladies group was born. Our first meeting was July 26, 2006. It consisted of three ladies and was held at Borders Books on 95th Street in Chicago.

Over the next several months the group expanded and we outgrew two meeting locations. We now meet in the Saint Christina Parish Center and have grown to over forty members.

Members of the Caring Ladies delivering hats and blankets to the
Little Company of Mary Hospital Special Care Nursery

Who We Help

Since July 2006, we have been able to make hat and blanket deliveries to the nurseries of these hospitals:

• Little Company of Mary Hospital in Evergreen Park.
• Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn.
• MetroSouth Medical Center in Blue Island.
• Holy Cross Hospital in Chicago.
• Rush University Hospital in Chicago.
• University of Illinois Hospital in Chicago.