Intermountain Hospitals Ask Community to Sew Baby Blankets for America's 250th

Sharon Johnson already knows what a finished blanket means. A pharmacy technician at Heber Valley Hospital and a member of the Heber Valley Quilt Guild, she has watched her guild deliver nearly 240 quilts to the labor and delivery units at both hospitals since January. Now the hospitals are asking the broader community to join in.

Intermountain Health Heber Valley Hospital and Intermountain Health Park City Hospital have launched a community volunteer initiative to provide every baby born in 2026 with a handmade, patriotic-themed blanket in honor of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. Nearly 700 babies are born annually at the two hospitals.

The community is invited to sew blankets or donate materials in red, white, blue, off-white, or soft grey to create meaningful keepsakes that mark both a national milestone and a life-changing moment for families in the Wasatch Back.

Johnson said quilting and community service have always brought her great joy, adding that the project is "a great way to bring joy to our newborn parents and celebrate the birth of their new bundle of joy." The Heber Valley Quilt Guild has already donated nearly 240 quilts to the labor and delivery units at both hospitals since January.

Lori Weston, president of Intermountain Park City Hospital, framed the project as a civic act as much as a medical one. "This is a unique opportunity to bring our community together in celebration of both history and new beginnings," she said. "Each handmade blanket is a warm welcome to the newest members of the Wasatch Back and a symbol of the care and connection that define our communities."

Si Hutt, president of Intermountain Heber Valley Hospital, said the hospitals have always been strengthened by community kindness. "This effort embodies that spirit. As we celebrate a milestone in our nation's history, we also celebrate new life and the people who make the Wasatch Back such a special place to call home."

The two hospitals are anchored by a shared volunteer structure. A group of dedicated community leaders along the Wasatch Back make up the volunteer community board for Heber Valley and Park City Hospitals, representing the geographic and cultural diversity of Summit and Wasatch County. These trustees serve without pay, volunteering time and expertise.

Anyone who wants to contribute needles, thread, or finished fabric can connect directly with Park City Hospital's volunteer program. Volunteers must be at least 14 years old. To get involved, contact the volunteer coordinator by email at parkcityvolunteers@imail.org or by phone at 435-658-7082. For more information on how to participate in the initiative, the hospitals have also directed the community to the Just Serve website.