Mothers' Milk Bank California Names Winner of Sock Design Contest

SAN JOSE, Calif., Nov. 06, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Mothers' Milk Bank California has announced Una Weiland of Morgan Hill, California, as the winner of its inaugural Sock It Forward design contest. The contest, aimed at raising awareness about the importance of human milk donation, received a wide range of creative entries from the community.

Una Weiland's winning design, titled "Small Drops, Big Love," was selected by a panel of judges for its creativity, originality, and ability to capture the spirit of the bank's mission. The design features small drops symbolizing the nourishment plants need to grow, paralleling the importance of donor milk for babies. A smiling sun represents hope, warmth, and brighter beginnings, emphasizing the community aspect of milk donation. The design also highlights the idea that small contributions can make a significant difference in the lives of premature and medically fragile babies.

Weiland's inspiration for the design came from her personal experiences as a mother, milk donor, and parent of two babies who spent time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). One of her babies received donor milk during her NICU stay. When an extended hospital stay forced her to cancel her baby shower, the wildflower theme became the focus of her art. She began painting on canvases and tote bags and giving them to nurses as gifts.

The winning design will be professionally produced as the Official 2026 Mothers' Milk Bank California Sock. The limited-edition sock will spark conversations about the lifesaving impact of donor human milk for premature and medically fragile babies.

Weiland, who has donated more than 5,000 ounces of breast milk, will receive recognition as the Official 2026 Mothers' Milk Bank California Sock Designer. She will also receive professionally produced socks featuring her artwork, a feature on the Mothers' Milk Bank California website and social media channels, a commemorative certificate, and exclusive Mothers' Milk Bank California merchandise.

Mothers' Milk Bank California, founded in 1974, is California's nonprofit milk bank and a proud member of the Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA). The organization collects, screens, pasteurizes, and distributes safe donor human milk to hospitals and families when a mother's own milk is unavailable, helping give premature and medically fragile babies the healthiest possible start in life. Through education, advocacy, and community partnerships, Mothers' Milk Bank California is committed to improving infant health one family at a time.