Local Teens Crocheting Toys For Preemies At Stony Brook University Hospital

For the month of February, Westhampton teens and crotchet-aficionados are working to crochet octopuses for premature newborns at Stony Brook University Hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit. The community project is sponsored by the Westhampton Free Library and supported by its teen department staff.

Between 2:30 and 5 p.m. on Wednesdays, local teens–be they experienced or new to crocheting–are welcome to help put together colorful, soft toys for newborns at Stony Brook.

The organic cotton yarn toys are created so that the neonates can tug at the tentacles of the octopus instead of the medical tubes that surround them. The plush toys are based off a pattern provided by local resident, Carol Passarelle, and can take up to a few afternoons to complete.

“We are very pleased to offer this program as it not only provides a community service opportunity for local teens, but also avails the opportunity for them to learn a new skill,” said Danielle Waskiewicz, Director at Westhampton Free Library.

As crocheting can be a more time-intensive activity, just under a dozen octopuses have been made so far. Volunteers have until the end of the month to make these comforting toys for the babies at Stony Brook University Hospital.

Westhampton Free Library is located at 7 Library Avenue in Westhampton Beach. For more information, please visit westhamptonlibrary.net.