In the last year or so I’ve felt the need to do something “good” with my sewing – and especially my never-ending stash of fabric. I remember seeing some kind of pamphlet at my local fabric store last year mentioning something about pillowcases, but I “got busy” (as usual) and didn’t pursue anything. Enter Alanna, from Friday’s Off Fabric Shop in Toronto, to give me a swift kick in the right direction! Thank goodness… because I needed it.
Alanna has recently volunteered to become a ConKerr Cancer drop-off location. If you have not heard of ConKerr Cancer, they make pillowcases – called “Smiles” and donate them to local children’s hospitals. They are given to children with cancer and other life-changing illnesses or injuries. These pillowcases brighten up hospital rooms and help to fulfill ConKerr’s goal of “of making hospital stays as pleasant as possible for chronically ill children and their parents.” (via)
I am especially excited that Alanna will be dropping off her pillowcases at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Ontario. I have had personal family experience with this children’s hospital and would so love to give some smiles to the kids there. I’m really excited to say that my sewing group has decided to take one of our monthly Sewcials to sew pillowcases for ConKerr. Hooray! I am also hoping to sew pillowcases with my kids and I would love to make it a regular project that we can work on together.
Want to help out?! There are a few very important things to remember if you choose donate some pillowcases. Sew with this specific pattern. Get kid friendly fabric. Wash, pack and ship your pillowcase as per ConKerr’s instructions. Alanna has explained exactly how to do this in 5 simple steps on her website, which includes the shipping address of the drop off location.
I’m excited to say that Alanna also has kits available in her shop – to give you a simple way to get exactly what you need to make and donate a pillowcase or three! Below are a few examples of kits she has available, click on the photos or the links to get to her shop. (The yardage is also available in her shop if you would rather mix and match your own fabrics.) To make it even easier for you to order, Alanna is also offering free shipping from today until June 30, 2014 on all orders shipped within Canada – use the code “TRHFREESHIPPING”! This discount applies to pillowcase sales AND regular yardage for other projects – go and get ’em folks!
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I hope you will join us in making the lives of these hospitalized kids and their families a little brighter. There is a lot more information about ConKerr Cancer available on their website and so many inspiring photos. They have chapters located throughout the US, Canada, South Africa and the UK. I know we likely all have fabric stashed away that could use a home, please consider ConKerr Cancer as a great place to give it to!
I’d love to hear from you if you plan to donate pillowcases. I’d also love to know if you donate your sewing stash and time to any other “good” causes. Hearing what other people are volunteering their time for is so inspiring. Thank you.
Thanks for sharing info about this amazing group! I just wanted to let you know I worked in a hospital that received these pillowcases and I LOVED being able to give kids something fun to brighten their room. I worked in the Emergency Room and always gave it along with a bedtime story or coloring or craft kit to kids who were going to be admitted to the hospital. Patients and families loved this and were always very appreciative! Thanks for supporting them!
Thank you so much for letting us know Sarah! It’s so great to hear first-hand how it is helping. 🙂
Thanks for sharing! I’m definitely going to make some up. I have donated my creations in the past for silent auctions for various charities.
Hooray Reece! Thank you so much! I think the date my group will make these is in the fall, but I’m hoping to make some with my girls over the summer.
I think even my sewing skills could manage to accomplish this! What a good idea! 🙂
For sure Janette! And I’m sure there is a chapter near you to give them to as well 🙂
Thanks for the info about this charity sewing opportunity. I have often wondered how I could use my sewing to give back. And the fact that they go to Sick Kids in Toronto is a bonus! I was hospitalized there when I was still a toddler, so it is a hospital that means a lot to my family.
For the past few years, I set a challenge for our family to make 1 per month, for this same charity, to be sent to Sick Kids in Toronto. It’s always interesting to let my kids choose the combinations, as who knows better what a kid would like. Thanks for spreading the idea.
What a good idea Cathy. I think that is a great goal. Gets me thinking I should try to do the same.
I have been making these for the locked Alzheimer’s wards… These PEOPLE, once loved dearly, get so few visitors or gifts. They love the pillowcases AND each unique one helps them “find” their room. I use quilters cotton or winter flannels.
What a great idea Ellen! Thank you so much for sharing. 🙂