Handmade with Love: Celebrating the Hands Behind Every Baby Hat

Each year, the maternity teams across Independence Health System have the privilege of welcoming more than a thousand babies into the world. At Butler Memorial Hospital and Westmoreland Hospital, one of the sweetest traditions begins in those very first moments: cozy, colorful handmade hats are placed on our newborns shortly after birth, thoughtfully created by members of our community.

These tiny caps don’t just keep little heads warm. They symbolize the love, care, and community support that surrounds every family who walks through our doors. Each hat is unique, and each represents the hands and hearts of people who help make a baby’s arrival even more special. During certain holidays or other special events, some babies are given specialty themed baby hats which are later featured on our social media channels.

Independence Health System is proud to spotlight our specialty baby hats, which are made possible thanks to the generosity, creativity, and countless hours donated by our incredible community members.

The Westmoreland Hospital Auxiliary

For more than 100 years, the Westmoreland Hospital Auxiliary has supported the hospital, its patients, staff and the broader community through volunteer service and charitable giving. Today, that mission continues in many meaningful ways — including providing the majority of handmade hats given to babies born at Westmoreland Hospital.

With approximately 70 members, the Auxiliary has donated thousands of hats over the years, helping establish a cherished tradition for families welcoming a new baby. Their generosity has left a lasting impact on countless first moments.

Those interested in learning more about joining the Westmoreland Hospital Auxiliary can call 724-689-0202.

The Butler Memorial Hospital Auxiliary

At Butler Memorial Hospital, the Auxiliary also plays an important role in supporting newborns and their families. Comprised of retired professionals, homemakers and hospital employees, the Butler Memorial Hospital Auxiliary contributes handmade hats that add a personal, heartfelt touch to each baby’s welcome.

Their ongoing support reflects the spirit of volunteerism and community connection that has long been part of the hospital’s culture.

To learn more about volunteer opportunities with the Butler Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, visit the Independence Health System volunteer opportunities page.

A Community Member with Family Ties

Some of the most memorable hats in recent years have come from one especially creative community member with a personal connection to Westmoreland Hospital.

Since 2025, Rachel, daughter of the Westmoreland Hospital Maternity Clinical Director, has taken on the role of personal stylist for many of our holiday babies. She is responsible for creating the iconic Mister Rogers inspired red cardigans in March, the Thanksgiving feast hats, Grinch-themed creations, and Groundhog Day hats!

We appreciate her creativity and willingness to donate her talents to the newborns at Westmoreland Hospital. You can see some of her other work by checking out @RayCrochets on Instagram.

Other Community Members

This tradition has also been shaped by many other generous community members who have shared their time and talents over the years.

In 2025, volunteers created Santa hats, the Taylor Swift “showgirl” baby hats, as well as the banana split-themed creations. So far in 2026, one special community member has contributed to the St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, and Star Wars babies.

Each handmade hat tells a story – not just of creativity, but of community, compassion, and the shared joy of welcoming new life. These small gifts have become a meaningful part of welcoming new life at Butler Memorial Hospital and Westmoreland Hospital, reminding families that from the very start, they are surrounded by care.

On behalf of our entire maternity team and the families we serve, thank you to every volunteer and community member who helps make this tradition possible.

If you would like to contribute to the cause, you can volunteer with the Westmoreland Hospital Auxiliary by calling 724-689-0202 or the Butler Memorial Hospital Auxiliary by applying online.