For the Reporter

Wesley Homes Lea Hill volunteers recently made 480 pillowcases for the Auburn Valley YMCA portion of the Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital drive.

A group of 25 volunteers – supplied with 10 contributors of fabrics – put in about 1,000 hours of work.

The pillowcases are made to warm the heads and hearts of children who find themselves at Mary Bridge Hospital. Every child who is admitted to the hospital is able to select their own pillowcase and take it home with them when they are discharge.

Mary Bridge uses 900 pillowcases a month.

The drive began five years ago with volunteers making fewer than 100 pillowcases. Each year volunteers have challenged themselves to do one better. The drive involves a committed and motivated group that reserves February for cutting, sewing, pressing and creating individualized cases.

“For many yards of contributed fabric, we are grateful,” said volunteer Helena Hanna, on behalf of the group. “For 15 seamstresses, who kept sewing machines oiled and running for the month, your work is much appreciated. For the 10 to 15 who showed up at three work sessions to do whatever you were asked to do, your help was so necessary to keep the ‘assembly line’ steady and productive. Seeing you do what you do is a marvelous joy, and then we get to share that with others. Many thanks.”