Little Bundles of Essentials & Love

On a sunny fall afternoon, volunteers from the MA Center of Michigan came together to assemble layette care packages for the Circle of Love Layette initiative. Rooted in Amma’s message of compassion and service, the project supports low-income expectant mothers in Detroit—providing not just baby essentials, but love, encouragement, and a sense of community. Working with Stork’s Nest, it reflects one of Embracing The World’s mission of empowering women—giving mothers and their babies the best possible start, and reminding them that they are valued, supported, and celebrated during one of life’s most transformative moments.

This year’s gathering took place in Teriese’s warm, plant-filled home, where sunlight spilled across the floor and dozens of tiny baby clothes were neatly arranged. What unfolded was more than a service project—it was a joyful afternoon of folding clothes, sharing snacks, telling stories, and savoring the simple gift of working together. The warm hearted group assembled 15 girls’ and 12 boys’ layette kits—each containing a plush blanket, two receiving blankets, two sleep-n-plays, two onesies, two bibs, and two pairs of socks. Nishkama, one of the volunteers, shared, “The carefully packed, color-coordinated bags were filled with so many happy-looking and useful items. We all had fun volunteering together…..packing, laughing, snacking and enjoying each others company. You just can’t go wrong with signing on for an Amma gathering that is all about love and kindness.”

For host Teriese, the day took on deeper meaning after learning that a close friend had passed away that morning. She reflected, “Life goes out, then comes back in. It made me think about this ‘cycle of life’ as we prepared for a new life coming. Today means more than you know.” In many ways, that is the heart of the Circle of Love Layette project—women coming together to uplift other women, honoring both the fragility and the beauty of life, one tiny outfit and one act of kindness at a time.