Menifee-Based Charity Sews Blankets for Hospitals

Laurel Taylor

January 13, 2012 is the day that changed Laurel Taylor's life forever.

Her daughter Brianna was born, and then just as quickly, passed away.  Laurel never saw her move nor mutter a single cry.

In the months that followed, she went to bed clutching the blanket and beanie that Brianna had been wrapped in, and decided to carry on the memory of her daughter by launching a charitable organization called, "Blankets for Brianna".

"Blankets for Brianna collects baby blankets to donate to hospitals for their stillborn and NICU babies", Taylor writes on her blog.  "Anyone who likes to knit, crochet, or sew, or who wants to learn can be of assistance".

While the organization is still in the process of getting its 501c3 status, Taylor doesn't accept money, only blankets and volunteers willing to sew.  The blankets are then delivered to local area hospitals.

And so far, Blankets for Brianna seems to be catching on, with letters and comments from other Menifee residents expressing their desire to participate.  The result was a delivery of 14 blankets and 20 beanies to Parkview Hospital in Riverside.

"I couldn't have expected the open arms I received", said Taylor who had returned to the hospital where she had given birth to Brianna. "These women are amazing. I am so touched by them, and also the people donating the blankets for me to take to these hospitals."

Taylor is now working on cards and brochures to deliver to area hospitals and businesses. She did a speech at Mothers of Pre-Schoolers (MOPS), and is preparing to deliver a set of blankets to Rancho Springs Medical Center on May 5.

"What I love most about Blankets for Brianna is the positive attitude that it brings", she says. "My daughter's life and death could have made me bitter, upset, mad and down right a horrible person, but I think that is such a waste. I know there are many other families that have had a miscarriage, stillborn or infant loss who may want to find the same type of comfort I have."

To donate blankets or volunteer, contact Laurel Taylor at laureli82@yahoo.com, (951) 966-9772, or visit her website at: http://blanketsforbrianna.blogspot.com/