WARREN, Ark. (10-13-25) — Members of the Bradley County Extension Homemakers Club recently made a special trip to Little Rock, bringing comfort and care to families at Arkansas Children’s Hospital through a delivery of handmade items.
Throughout the past year, club members have crafted more than 100 NICU Bonding Hearts — a thoughtful project designed to help parents and their babies feel connected even when separated. Each set includes two fabric hearts: one for the parent and one for the baby. The parent wears one heart to absorb their scent, while the other remains with the infant in the incubator. The hearts are then swapped, allowing the baby to be soothed by the familiar scent of their parent and giving the parent a comforting reminder of their child.
Also assisting in the project were members of the Bradley County 4-H Sewing Club, who created bereavement blankets for parents who have lost a child and small comfort pillows for children leaving the hospital after a broken bone. The partnership between the Extension Homemakers and 4-H programs not only benefits families across Arkansas but also provides an opportunity for young 4-H members to develop valuable sewing skills under the guidance of EHC volunteers.
Community members interested in joining or supporting either organization can contact the Bradley County Extension Office at 870-226-8410.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is an equal opportunity institution.
