Children and adults made blankets and collected items for new mothers as part of National HANDS (Health Access Nurturing Development Services) Day on May 3.
Lincoln Trail Family Support workers helped kids from ages three and up create fleece blankets during the two-hour event at the health department building in Leitchfield.
The children are part of the Modern Woodmen Youth Service Clubs, called Tiny Tots. This group is children ages six and under, teen clubs start at 12 years old, and the junior club is for individuals who are 16 and under.
The Join Hands Day is just one of the 21 programs offered by the Modern Woodmen that kids can participate in.
Modern Woodmen of America Assistant Club Leader Tonya Cockerel said the organization raises funds to collect items for those in need in Grayson County.
Last year the club assisted with collecting needed items for the Grayson County Humane Society.
HANDS Supervisor Marcy Hill says the program, for first-time mothers and fathers, is designed to improve both health and social outcomes.
Hill explained candidates are chosen to receive assistance after going through a screening process.
"We get a screen from the doctor that a lady is pregnant," said Hill. "It has to be a first-time mom or dad. We then go and visit with the family."
A registered nurse or social worker assesses the home and focuses on supporting family values and strengths.
Families are taught things like labor, delivery, pregnancy, nutrition, parenting, and developmental milestones for the child.
If a baby falls behind the parents are referred to the appropriate agency to help them.
Hill added that the training would continue with the parent and child until the kid reaches a certain age.
For more information about HANDS contact the local health department at 1-800-280-1601.
National Hands Day brings people together to create projects that help their community, and is the only day on the calendar the brings generations together through volunteering.
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