VISTA -- Diane Warren keeps busy these days sewing receiving blankets and burp cloths, not for a gaggle of grandchildren but for needy expectant mothers.

For years, Warren donated her homemade blankets to young mothers in Tijuana, but these days the blankets are going to prenatal patients at Vista Community Clinic.

The clinic is a health care facility that provides services to nearly 50,000 patients a year. More than 70 percent of the patients are without insurance; fewer than 30 percent have MediCal.

Warren, a Carlsbad resident, began working with a local women's group, Pieces for Peace, to make blankets for Tijuana residents about five years ago, when families below the border were literally freezing to death from the winter cold.

She said she has since decided to donate her work locally.

For the past year, Warren has been giving the items to the Vista Community Clinic. She makes her blankets at home by sewing machine, using colorful, soft fabric, much of which is donated from a variety of sources -- friends, neighbors and clubs.

"Every six to eight, weeks Diane comes to the clinic with large bags of blankets to donate," says Jenny Jones, the clinic's communications specialist. "These blankets are given to our prenatal patients and raffled off in our parenting classes."

It takes Warren about an hour to make one blanket.

"I usually make them while watching television," she said. "I'm a sports nut, but I feel guilty just sitting in front of the TV, not doing anything, so this is what I do instead."

It takes two yards of material to make one receiving blanket. If she has to buy the material, it costs her about $4.50 to $5.

"I suppose I make about 100 blankets or so a year," she estimated.

Jones figures it's probably more than that.

Warren is a retired copy editor from an engineering firm in San Marcos. Originally from Los Angeles, she graduated from Pasadena City College and Cal State Los Angeles. A mother of two, she began sewing while growing up.

"I made pajamas for my two boys," Warren recalled. "I make p.j.s for my grandkids, but I also keep busy by making these receiving blankets and small burper cloths."

Jones said about 80 percent live below the federal poverty level. She said the clinic sees about 120 new prenatal moms each month, many of whom are teenagers.

"A quarter of our new moms are teenagers," Jones said. "Oceanside and Vista have double the state rate of teenage pregnancies.

"These blankets are some of the nicest things in a new baby's life. Diane's blankets and burpers represent the hope we all have for the neediest children in our region -- that they be received warmly and grow strong."

The clinic is a nonprofit agency constantly is in need of financial support, supplies and equipment donations.

Jones said the items needed most are funds to pay for a newborn well-baby examination and car seats, which are required to transport any child under 50 pounds.

"A well-baby exam costs $40 each," she said. "A donated car seat must be new and can each cost as much as $100 or more."

For more information, contact Jones at: (760) 631-5000, ext. 1418, or e-mail her at: jjones@vistacommunityclinic.org.

Contact Tom Morrow at: quotetaker@cox.net