Project:Pillowcase

What

Community volunteers of all ages are invited to join Vermont 4-H'ers at four sites in October to help sew pillowcases for OMK Project: Pillowcase. The pillowcases are for Hero Packs that will be given to kids with parents deploying with the Vermont Air National Guard.

Sewers should bring their own sewing machine and shears. Fabric, thread and other supplies will be provided. Non-sewers also are needed to help cut material for the pillowcases as well as to turn, press and package them. Volunteers may participate for part or the entire session. Everyone should bring a brown bag lunch. Beverages will be provided.

Can't attend an event? You can still help! Make pillowcases at home, or donate some fabric.

When & Where

October 8th 2012

• Arlington - Burdett Commons, 3854 State Route 7A; 1-4 p.m

October 13th 2012

• Essex Junction - Grace United Methodist Church, 130 Maple St.; 12-3 p.m.
• Fairfield - Bent Northrop Public Library, 164 Park St., 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Rutland - UVM Extension Office, Howe Business Center, 1 Scale Ave.; 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Contact Rita Charlton at (802) 773-3349

Sewers working at home may drop off completed pillowcases at any UVM Extension office before October 29th.

Contact

Anyone planning to help should contact Martha Manning, 4-H educator and Pillowcase Project coordinator, by Oct. 6 at (800) 639-2130 (toll-free in Vermont) or (802) 524-6501, ext. 449, or by e-mail at martha.manning@uvm.edu. If requiring a disability-related accommodation to participate, please call Manning by Oct. 5.

Donate

Donations of cotton or cotton flannel fabric with designs, motifs and bold colors that appeal to kids are urgently needed. While there is no maximum on the total yardage, each piece needs to be at least one yard. Fabric may be dropped off at any UVM Extension office in the state by Oct. 5 or brought to one of the sites if volunteering for the day.

Vermonters also may make a monetary donation for project supplies by sending a check, made payable to "4-H Gift Account," to Sarah Kleinman, State 4-H Program Director, UVM Extension 4-H Office, 655 Spear St., Burlington, VT 05405. Please send by Oct. 6 and mark for the "Pillowcase Project."

We will be using a free pattern and how-to video provided by the 1 Million Pillowcase Challenge website. American Patchwork & Quilting is challenging communities across the nation to help them reach their goal of donating one million pillowcases to charities and people who need to know someone cares. We can all work together to make a difference in our community!