Church group stitches for sick kids

Volunteers at the Ryan's Case for Smiles pillowcase-making event show off their completed cases. Made of cheerful fabric, these pillowcases will be distributed to sick kids in area hospitals.
Volunteers at the Ryan's Case for Smiles pillowcase-making event show off their completed cases. Made of cheerful fabric, these pillowcases will be distributed to sick kids in area hospitals.

First Presbyterian Church held its seventh ecumenical Ryan's Case for Smiles pillowcase-making event on April 14. These bright and whimsical pillowcases will bring cheer to children in our mid-Missouri area hospitals who are dealing with cancer or another life-threatening illness.

Thanks to 19 hard-working volunteers as well as financial and fabric donors, 216 pillowcases were made for the cause under the direction of Karen Luther of First Presbyterian Church and Ginger Beasley, Mid-MO Coordinator for Ryan's Case for Smiles.

Special guests from St. Louis' non-profit "Charity Sharity" spoke to our group about their mission. They shared many project ideas that volunteer groups, individuals, and sewing circles have accomplished with fabrics and other sewing notions that have passed through their organization without any exchange of money. "Charity Sharity" has been called the most unique "green" organization in the country, keeping 15 tons of supplies out of the landfill every year.

The day also served as a collection point for Charity Sharity donations.