CHANDLER, Ariz. — Karis Wales is an eighth-grader who loves to sew. About a year ago, she came up with an idea to combine her skills with giving back.
"So we have a club we started," she said. "We crochet sometimes, knit and sew things like blankets, hats and headbands for NICU babies."
The club is called 'Knots for NICU.' It began with five students and quickly grew to about 30 students. The group meets weekly and works together to make wonderful creations for local NICU babies across the Valley.
"They meet once a week and they got their friends involved and this year we're 30 kids," said Club Sponsor Meghan Dunigan. "They come every Friday and get right to it. It's a well-oiled machine and they set up and go. It's amazing, it's really good to see these younger kids give back and the time they put in is heartwarming."
Wales wanted to do more and came up with the idea to make bereavement gowns for the NICU babies who don't make it out of the hospital.
"When I was in third grade, I went with my grandmother because she was part of a church group who made burial gowns, angel gowns, and that inspired me," Wales said. "I think it's nice to know something as meaningful as a wedding dress is being put into these gowns just because of the special meaning of it and it just puts more thought and feeling into the dresses."
The students take donated wedding dresses and use every piece to make a well-tailored, custom gown for a child. One wedding dress can make up to nine gowns each stitched with care.
"There's two ways out of the NICU," Wales said. "You either make it out or you don't and it's hard to think about, but just knowing we can do something is so meaningful."
"At first it's overwhelming," Dunigan said. "Because you know what their intentions are. It's sad but yet, heartwarming these kids are helping these families in kind of the worst times of their life."
The gowns are intricate, detailed and difficult to make. However, the students say it's worth it. Once done, a box is created with a gown, blanket, small heart pillow and note. It's something small yet also personal for some of the members who were NICU babies themselves.
"We have four members of our club who were also NICU babies and that's where this stems from," said Dunigan. "Knowing what their parents went through to pay it forward and provide an opportunity for these other parents for what they're going through.
The club continues to grow. Next year, there will be two Knots for NICU clubs, one at Basha High School and the other at ACP High School. Wales says they goal is to show support for those who may need it the most.
"I think about who it's going to and how we're trying to impact people," Wales said. "I know it's a hard topic and it's hard to think about the babies who don't make it through, but it's nice to know we can do something. We can't do everything but I know just making one little thing for them is nice for the parents and child."
The club is always looking for donations, whether it's a wedding dress, veil, materials or tools. Donations can be dropped off at Basha High School, 5990 S. Val Vista Drive, Chandler, AZ 85249. You can make the donation to Knots for NICU/Dunigan.
You can also go to their website for more information.
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