CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Every newborn at St. Helena Hospital Clearlake is “wrapped in love,” thanks to the Ladies of the Lake Quilt Guild.

It’s become somewhat of a tradition, according to guild member Marlene Brudvig, who estimates the group – about 110 members strong – has sewn some 2,000 quilted baby blankets over the past nine and a half years.

As a volunteer stationed at the St. Helena Hospital Clearlake reception desk, Brudvig often hears someone call out, “Look, there’s the quilt lady!” — music to her ears.

“This project is an absolute joy for us,” said Brudvig. “We want to make sure no newborn leaves for home without a quilt.”

Today the guild delivers about 25 quilts a month to the hospital’s Women’s Care Unit.

“The moms go crazy over our little quilts,” added Brudvig. “Some of them have told us this is the only new thing they have for their baby.”

“It’s a wonderful service for our new mothers,” said Leeann Darby, RN, director of Surgical Services and Women’s Care Unit at the hospital. “The baby quilts are beautiful, and very high quality. Our patients absolutely love them.”

“This is a terrific example of the community coming together to give warmth and love to our newborns,” added Darlene Hamm, RN, who works the Women’s Care Unit night shift. “We literally wrap them with love.”

Brudvig and project co-chair Lel King are continuously on the hunt for material that “looks baby.”

After purchasing material, they deliver quilt kits to the members, who then sew them. Most quilts have cotton tops with flannel backing, and some members add quilted designs as an extra personal touch.

Brudvig noted that members often donate materials, and many make quilts on their own to donate in addition to the kits.

“Choosing a quilt is often a family affair,” said Hamm. “Sometimes brothers and sisters help make the selection. We can see that the quilts become heirlooms for some families, who bring in a quilt received for a previous family delivery to wrap the newest member in. They are well used and loved.”

Every year the hospital holds an appreciation tea for the guild. Last year the hospital staff donated fabric and raised $300 to help the guild with project expenses.

To help underwrite the costs of this and other projects, the guild holds a variety of fundraisers including an annual raffling of an opportunity quilt. The quilt travels to local festivals, farmers' markets and other events, where guild members man tables to sell tickets.