October means a lot of things to a lot of people, but to the Cosmetology Department at Southeastern Community College, it means helping those who have experienced infant loss dress those babies for the first and last time.
President Ronald Reagan designated the entire month of October 1988 as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. On that day, Reagan addressed parents across the nation.
“When a child loses his parent, they are called an orphan. When a spouse loses her or his partner, they are called a widow or widower. When parents lose their child, there isn’t a word to describe them. This month recognizes the loss so many parents experience across the United States and around the world,” he said.
With this spirit in mind, and based off some of their own experiences, the ladies of the Cosmetology club and team have decided to take up white wedding and christening gowns and sewing materials, to make baby dresses to donate to local hospitals in North and South Carolina. The department is also requesting Walmart gift cards for supplies and embellishments for the dresses.
The women also need skilled professionals to help with the needlecraft.
“We need seamstresses willing to donate their time to help cut and break down dresses as well as sew smaller ones for a good cause, the school, and for community outreach,” said student Caitlin Jones.
Jones and the others are asking that anyone interested in helping or donating to do so by the beginning of October. They hope to have the items sewn and distributed at the end of the month.
All donations, gowns, gift cards, and sewing materials can be taken to the SCC salon for collection throughout September. The college is located at 4564 Chadbourn Highway in Whiteville.
