Operating rooms can be intimidating, and they have rules to follow. Every patient, regardless of age, needs to wear an operating-room cap, and the blue adult caps are not very child-friendly.

Volunteers at St. Ann’s Episcopal Church in Old Lyme are collaborating with Lawrence + Memorial Hospital’s Child Life and Surgical services to bring a little fun to its young patients. Using bright fabrics with whimsical designs, St. Ann’s Sewing Workshop is crafting operating room caps for pediatric surgical patients. The children get to choose the cap they want to wear into surgery and take it home with them when they leave. Every smile helps make the transition back to wellness a little easier.

The program is a big hit with parents and patients alike, and the St. Ann’s sewing volunteers get the joy of knowing they’ve brought a smile to a child’s face.

Carol Carlson is a member of St. Ann’s Episcopal Church and a resident of Old Lyme.

Kindness in Real Life is a regular feature in the Times. To submit an item, email times@theday.com.