Last month we came across this local organisation that brightens premature babies’ lives with the sweetest gesture. Octopuses for Preemies Malta is a voluntary group joining people from all over the island to help premature babies by knitting and crocheting adorable octopus soft toys.

The octopus’s tentacles mimic the umbilical cord that babies are used to in the womb. Research has revealed that these soft toys help their development, make them less likely to tug at the cords around them and also give them a sense of comfort and safety. So heart-warming!

Lending a helping hand

The organisation is always looking for volunteers to help out with the making of these soft toys and they have now released a call for volunteers. “We are in need of volunteers to make octopuses for our NPICU Mater Dei Malta. We can provide 100 per cent cotton yarns and patterns,” they said in a Facebook post.

Volunteers are already contacting the organisation to help these little babies out. If you’re a newcomer, you can still give this a try – the more the merrier! Yarn and patterns will be provided and all you have to do is follow the steps and tips on how to make the toy safe for the preemies.

For more information, you can contact Octopuses for Preemies Malta on [email protected] or 9962 8353 or by messaging their Facebook page .