If your child was delivered at Mahaska Health Partnership in the last two years, you have received a special gift from Nancy Roose, of Oskaloosa.

The MHP volunteer crocheted more than 200 newborn hats last year alone, and donated close to 600 hours of volunteer time in 2008.

Roose is one of three MHP volunteers recognized at the Governor’s Volunteer Awards Ceremony in Ottumwa on Friday, Aug. 7. Other volunteers include Chris Stout, of University Park, who volunteered close to 300 hours and Judy Stone, of Oskaloosa, who volunteered more than 200 hours at MHP.

Roose said she likes to keep busy and believes in serving others.

“The baby hats are just so much fun to make, and I love knowing that those precious babies get to wear them,” she said.

MHP Birthing Center Coordinator Jodi Chipman, RN, said the families who deliver at MHP are elated to receive the beautifully crocheted hats for their babies.

“Our parents often comment on the softness of the yarn used, as well as the beautiful colors they get to choose from,” she said.

But newborns aren’t the only patients who benefit from Roose’s generosity and talent. MHP Cancer Care and Infusion Center Registered Nurse Sally Blake said Roose also makes hats for patients receiving chemotherapy.

“Many chemo patients have a very sensitive head when they start to lose their hair, and Nancy makes these seamless hats, which our patients really like,” Blake explained. “Nancy is definitely one of our angels at the CCIC.”

Even though it is getting harder to find the soft yarn she prefers to use, Roose said she is going to continue making hats for MHP patients. She’s also found a new project — making small “comfort” blankets for children who are admitted to MHP.

According to MHP Volunteer Coordinator Kim Langfitt, Roose is an awesome volunteer who is always willing to come in when she is needed and enjoys making special gifts for patients.

“Nancy prefers to stay behind the scene and not make a fuss about her volunteer work,” Langfitt said. “She always tells people that her father taught her at a young age that idle hands are the devil’s workshop and she prefers to stay busy.

“She has touched not only patients but staff throughout MHP with her generosity and kindness, and we are very blessed to have her as a volunteer,” she said.

To learn more about volunteer opportunities at MHP, call Langfitt at (641) 672-3342.