Jane Anderson is on the layette committee, volunteering through the Mission Commission at First Presbyterian Church in Shawano.
She was born in Florida and moved to Shawano when she was 10. After graduating from Shawano High School, Anderson earned a degree in vocal music education from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. She taught for four years in Princeton Public Schools before returning to Shawano to help her dad. She worked as a choir director for four years, was a secretary at UW-Oshkosh when she was married, and then worked in admissions at the Shawano hospital. Then
Anderson moved to Arizona to attend travel school and became a travel agent for Alaskan Airlines. She lived there with her sister, Eva Lou Anderson, from 1986-2004, when they returned to Shawano.
Anderson is in the choir and bell choir and a member of the musical group, Joyful Noise. She is a deacon, visiting the sick and giving home Communion.
Q What do you do on the layette committee?
A “JoAnne Graser and I gather baby items, both new and used, mostly from donations. When we get enough, we put them in little baskets that can be used for toys and laundry. Then we take them to the WIC office. We make them for both boys and girls. There’s a lot of collecting through the year and if they need to be laundered, I do that.”
Q How often do you take them to WIC?
A “Usually twice a year. We have 10 to 15 baskets at a time. If there is a need we will do it in an emergency.”
Q How did the committee get started?
A “A group of ladies from the Presbyterian Women’s group got together and took on this project. My aunt, Leslie Anderson, was on the committee for a long time. My sister and I moved back in 2004, and my aunt had passed away. My sister and I decided to take over the program. When we moved back we volunteered to pick it up. We kept it in our basement until it got too big. We try to get new and gently used in each basket. We give away 25 to 30 layettes. We’re always looking for donations. The Shawano Area Quilters give us baby quilts along with others who make knitted or crocheted baby blankets. There are blankets, diapers, sleepers and a small toy. We buy the diapers and baskets. We have a small budget we can use.”
Q Why do you volunteer?
A “I do it because it gives me joy. It’s such a good feeling, especially when we pack them and give them. There’s so many needy infants. I like to give back. It blesses me to give to others.”
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