Volunteers rock babies

Alicia Dunnington and Carolyn Knippers are 50 years apart in age, but they share the same passion.

Thursday, February 14th 2008, 7:23 pm

By: News 9


By Kirsten McIntyre, NEWS 9

Alicia Dunnington and Carolyn Knippers are 50 years apart in age, but they share the same passion.

They're baby rockers at the Children's Center in Bethany, a hospital for children with severe medical and physical disabilities.

"The rockers provide a big benefit to these babies, cuddling, and stimulates them a great deal," said Andrea Gray with the hospital.

It's been almost 30 years since Knippers rocked her first baby at The Children's Center. Her pastor had preached a sermon on volunteering.

"I just kind of brushed it aside because I thought I couldn't take it emotionally," she said. "Then in a couple of weeks, he mentioned it again. I said ‘OK, Lord, you're talking to me,' and I've been here ever since.

As a teacher, Dunnington knows the importance of the human touch and the sound of a loving voice. 

"When they make eye contact with you it just makes your heart melt," Dunnington said. "It's like thank you - thank you for holding me. Just the sweetest heart, when they smile, that's a whole other story. It's incredible and I love it."

The Children's Center is always in need of more baby rockers. If you'd like to volunteer, it's only one hour a week. Call 789-6711 for more information.

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