60 Years of spreading holiday cheer to NICU babies at Methodist Hospital

San Antonio, Texas ― For the 60th consecutive year, Methodist Hospital’s dedicated Blue Bird Auxiliary continues its very merry tradition of sewing handmade stockings to provide Christmas cheer for the hundreds of families who receive an extra-special delivery during the holiday season.

This team of committed volunteers sews handmade stockings for each child born during the last 12 days of the year, swaddling each one into this loving holiday gift and topped off with a matching cap. This beloved tradition has once again captured hearts and headlines across the world and inspired hospitals throughout the country to spread the same Christmas cheer.

For more than 20 years, Blue Bird Auxiliary volunteer, Lynelle Stigent, has donned needle and thread in support of this tradition.

“One of the great things is the babies take the stockings home, and we’ve heard years later how, as the kids grow up, they still cherish them,” said Stigent. “It is a labor of love.”

Members of the Blue Bird Auxiliary began meeting regularly to hand stitch nearly 200 stockings in July of this year. For families and staff alike, this tradition provides happiness and hope during the holiday season, and is one that these dedicated volunteers plan to carry on for years to come.