Pictured from left are Ashley Siliano, Katie Conti, Megan Barone, Jordan and Brittany, parents of baby Alexis (in mother’s arm) wearing Creche's sleepsack, Valerie Scarpino and Beth Green. Submitted photo

For more than a century, Creche has raised significant funding in order to provide for the needs of children in Chautauqua County. Each year, the Creche Hospital Committee helps fulfill wishes from child-related departments at UPMC Chautauqua.

Creche was able to support the Maternity Department with purchasing HALO SleepSack’s for babies born at UPMC Chautauqua. The sleepsack is an easy transitional wearable blanket that helps to ensure an easy transition when it’s time to stop swaddling little ones. Perfect for babies who no longer like to be swaddled, but still need a bit of security around their arms to reduce the startle reflex.

It’s designed with lightly quilted 100% cotton stretch and sleeves to help give little ones a snug fit without overheating. And, since baby’s arms remain free, it’s safe for little ones who are rolling.

Back to sleep practices are important for newborn safety & prevention of SIDS. Providing sleep sacks that have a logo reminding parents of the importance of safe sleep practices serves as a visual reminder to place the baby on its back when sleeping. CrËche has been able to support the hospital with a significant amount of sleepsacks, which will enable our newborns to be nice and cozy this time of year.

“Valerie Scarpino and Beth Green have been spearheading this committee and have been wonderful at being advocates for all pediatric patients at UPMC Chautauqua. We are so grateful for all of their gifts to many of our other departments throughout the year, and we wouldn’t be able to take that extra step without them,” stated Megan Barone, director of development at UPMC Chautauqua.

Creche is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization of dedicated and energetic women devoted to providing basic needs of newborns through children 18 years of age residing in the greater Jamestown area. One hundred percent of all monies raised is used to provide many needed services including baby clothing sewn by the members of Creche, children’s clothing, cribs, beds, camperships and other children’s necessities. During the Christmas season they deliver food, clothing and gifts to families who need assistance. To learn more about opportunities to volunteer for or support Creche, please visit www.crecheforkids.org, or mail your gift to: The Creche, Inc., PO Box 601, Jamestown, NY 14702-0601.

To make a tax-deductible gift to support the care and treatment of children at UPMC Chautauqua, please contact Megan Barone, UPMC Chautauqua director of development, at 664-8423 or mail your gift to: UPMC Chautauqua Office of Development, PO Box 840, Jamestown, NY 14702-0840.