FAIRHOPE, Ala. — Hearts for God Sewing Circle, a ministry of First Baptist Church, Fairhope make items for the tiniest of our residents: premature babies.

The group organized in 1998 with about three church ladies; currently they have about 12 active members. The women have different talents: some crochet, some knit, some cut out patterns and some sew.

It began as a ministry for unwed mothers.

“At that time, many of them had no clothing for their babies when they were discharged from the hospital,” group leader Amanda Davis, said.

Over the years, their ministry has grown. Most of their handiwork is for premature babies in local hospitals.

“Premies weigh from 1 to 5 pounds. While clothing for them can be purchased, it is expensive,” one of the ladies said.

Hearts for God makes quilts, gowns and caps for these newborns. When the items are finished, Davis said, they must be washed in Ivory soap and rinsed in vinegar water to remove dyes and additives, which can irritate the babies’ delicate skin. These laundered items are then packed individually or by sets in plastic bags. The completed packages are delivered quarterly or as needed to the hospitals.

This year, she said, they delivered 175 Christmas caps along with blankets and gowns to Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Mobile. Davis said the group donates about 600 items each year, but one year they gave 998 items.

Another project they regularly complete are burial layettes for premie babies who die.

“Wedding gowns make beautiful layettes for this purpose,” Davis said and several have been given to them.

Everything they make comes from materials donated by church members and other residents in the community.

“I am amazed how the Lord has supplied all our material needs for the volume of work we produce,” Davis said.

Hearts for God also makes blankets and stuffed toys that are given to police and fire departments to give to comfort children they encounter — kids in a crisis situation, domestic violence, home fires, etc.

This year, church member Ida Zyriek donated 10 yards of teddy bear fabric, which the ladies cut out, stuffed and stitched.

Hearts for God meets the fourth Tuesday of the month, at 9:30 a.m., in the church library on South Section Street, except for June, July and December. They also give needlecraft lessons the second Thursday. They work on projects at meetings and at home.

Donations of soft baby yarn and fabric are welcome.

For more information on Hearts for God, call the church office at 928-8685.