Every March for the last four years, Grace Community Church has delivered handmade pillowcases to organizations in need, both locally and abroad. The project got its start in 2014, after Linda Tate read a magazine article on sewing for charity.That same year, Tate went on a mission trip to Central America; and, after returning home, she and several others formed the Stitchers of Grace group. They made and sent about 140 pillowcases to Casa Angelina, an orphanage located in central Guatemala.In 2015 and 2016, the group also took pillowcases to Childrenís Hospital Colorado, Springs Rescue Mission and The Salvation Army. On March 14, 2017, Grace Community delivered 234 pillowcases to these same organizations. The most notable recipient might be Childrenís Hospital Colorado, which also commissions small bags each year for young patients to fill with ìbeads of hope,î tokens of appreciation for having gone through tough medical procedures.In addition to the organizations in the Pikes Peak region, Casa Angelina in Guatemala still receives its fair share of pillowcases. The Casa Angelina orphanage in Guatemala is run by What Matters Ministry.Tate said patients and parents alike are often delighted to see something cheerful. ìStitchers of Grace feel very blessed to receive such awesome support,î she said. ìBeing in the hospital or in a homeless center isn’t easy. Helping others is why we’re on this earth.îLocal businesses such as Walmart and Jo-Ann Fabrics have donated time and materials to the project, and the local community has been overwhelmingly supportive, some pitching in as well. The Stitchers have received gift cards, sewing accessories and bolts of fabric. Tate said she is especially grateful for individuals who donate materials; without them, the project would not be feasible.The Stitchersí efforts have grown annually. Work begins shortly after Christmas; Tate chooses a pattern and pillowcase type that can be easily duplicated. After cutting enough fabric, she hands out special ìkits,î and the Stitchers of Grace get to work. As a way to pass the cold winter months, Tate said it is both enjoyable and gratifying. ìThis is Godís ministry, not ours,î Tate said. ìWeíre just his tools. We try to pray for the people receiving the pillowcases, because thatís important. More than anything else, itís a fun project.îThe larger goal has always been to provide comfort and joy to individuals in need, but one of the primary messages the Stitchers hope people take away from their efforts is that the scraps most people discard donít need to be thrown away. They can be repurposed and put to good use. The pillowcase makers have even recycled their own leftovers, handing them out to churchgoers who use them to craft handmade dog beds.ìI hope it reminds the community of ways to reach out to others,î Tate said. ìSometimes, it doesn’t cost anything to make someone’s day brighter. Repurposing fabric is a great way to share what we really don’t need.î
