New moms who need a helping hand are the focus of a program that’s been quietly providing support to Surrey and White Rock parents for about 15 years.
The layette program undertaken by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints doesn’t have an official name. But church members who fill each box with items, including tiny diapers, onesies, socks and even a handmade quilt, know it makes a difference.
“The ladies that get them, they’re just thrilled,” said Leslie Timms, a South Surrey resident and president of the church’s Surrey Stake Relief Society. “They’re for ladies that have nothing for these babies.”
The group compiles about 100 of the layettes every year – 50 for girls and 50 for boys – using items either made or donated by church members.
The layettes benefit newborns at Peace Arch and Surrey Memorial Hospital, with the majority going to SMH – 27 were delivered last Wednesday, wrapped in colourful paper and complete with a note congratulating the recipient on her new arrival.
Lois Rennie, director of public affairs for the stake, said it is a satisfying way of reaching out to the community.
“I went home (after helping put the layettes together) thinking what a gift of love it is. These are for the families that need it. Not everybody gets one,” Rennie said.
White Rock relief society president Tiffany Harvey said even the church’s youngest members get in on the giving, helping put the layettes together.
It is just one of the ways the congregation reaches out, the women said. Hygiene kits prepared by the members in May will be distributed to less fortunate individuals in Colombia.
The church does not solicit outside of its own congregation for the items that go into the layettes.
However, if anyone is interested in contributing, they may contact Harvey at 604-541-2617.