30 years ago, Vicki Dischner created "Precious Angels," a non-profit volunteer organization that creates baby items and donates them free-of-charge to hospitals, funeral homes and families in need. She began this crusade 30 years ago after she experienced firsthand what it felt like to lose a premature baby – and decided to turn her own pain into a selfless act of helping others.

Each year, thousands of babies are born prematurely, and are admitted for care in Neonatal Intensive Care Units. Due to the babies' extremely small size, there is a shortage of hospital gowns, sleepers and other garments tiny enough for them to wear. Many times, preemie infants do not have clothing to go home in. And sadly, in some cases, babies who die are buried in less than adequate garments.

Precious Angels volunteers help families dealing with an unexpectedly premature child who has a long road to travel to health, as well as those grieving a loss. Care and a desire to make a difficult time easier is evident in every stitch taken, whether on a machine or by hand. Members of the organization make buntings, sleepers, blankets, hats, bonnets, booties, and Hug-A-Bears for living infants in critical care. They also sew fetal demise bags or a layette consisting of a blanket, gown, hat or bonnet, booties and Hug-A-Bear for each stillborn or premature infant born too soon to survive. Tiny, beautifully designed caskets are also available, handcrafted by skilled Precious Angels volunteers.

Vicki has put three decades of her own time, talent and funding into her special organization. Besides holding two part-time jobs, she manages to crochet, sew and complete woodworking on tiny caskets. She has a compassionate heart and never-ending source of love towards hurting families.

To learn more about Vicki and her cause, and how you can make a difference, please visit:
www.preciousangelsia.org

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