Like clockwork, longtime Freeman volunteer Ruby Wright made the now-familiar trek to Freeman’s Maternity Center last week to drop off bits of crocheted love for Freeman’s tiniest patients.

Minutes later, the 2,000^th red and white-colored knit cap Wright has knitted adorned the head of Alfredo Rodriquez. A mother of two boys herself, Wright gently rocked the two-day-old infant in her arms.

“I just love doing it,” the 92-year-old said.

Since 2019, Wright has hand-crafted 2,011 caps for the boys and girls born at Freeman Hospital West, home to one of Missouri’s busiest labor and delivery and maternity centers. She completed her first baby cap in 2019. In the summer of 2023, she surged past the 1,000th cap mark, a personal goal. 

“I’m happy to do it,” Wright said. Currently, she’s well on her way to her 3,000th cap. “It just gives me something to do.”

When possible, she spends several hours each night working on her caps, usually perched in front of the television inside her Columbus, Kansas home. She averages between one and two caps per night.

“Ruby’s love and dedication are stitched into every hat she makes,” said Kalseji Reeves, Director of Maternal-Neonatal Services at Freeman. “She brings comfort to our babies and joy to our staff. We are so thankful for the light she brings to our hospital.”

Wright loves the idea that many of her infant caps will be preserved for decades inside treasured baby books.

“I’m just going to keep doing it as long as my hands will let me,” she said with a smile.