Tragically, the day before Thanksgiving 1999, Vicki and Arnold Mollett lost their six-year-old son, Benjamin, to lung cancer. During Benjamin's traumatic year of chemotherapy and hospitalization, sewing became a big part of Vicki's life–and therapy.
Vicki designed the "Benjamin Smiles Pillowcase" because she knew, firsthand, the joy and comfort a small pillow could bring to a pediatric patient.
Since featuring their story in the July '03 Sew News, the Molletts have sent over 10,000 "Benjamin Smiles" pillow labels to charity-minded readers. You can help by sewing Benjamin Smiles pillowcases for hospital pediatric-oncology wards or Ronald McDonald houses in your area. To download the pattern, visit www.gailbrown.com/articles.htm. Include a print-out of the article with the completed pillowcases. For complimentary "Benjamin Smiles" labels, send an SASE to Benjamin Smiles, Dept. SN, 94 Bennett Creek Rd., Powell, WY 82435 or e-mail vickimollett@netscape.net.
Teens So Cool
With two active centers in the North Tucson area, this volunteer organization continues to serve teens and their families. At the Coronado K-8 school, boys and girls learn sewing and quilting as part of an after-school day-care program. At the other location, San Manuel Jr./Sr. High School, students are learning how to make binder covers and robes.
You can help by volunteering to be a teen-sewing mentor, or donate quilt-weight cottons, flannel, interlock knits and fleece. Contact Teens So Cool, Dept. SN, 12785 N. Pioneer Way, Oro Valley, AZ 85737, call (530) 297-9059 or e-mail grammyleone1@aol.com.
One Dress at a Time
Founder Toni Pugliano's strategy is simple: Create a child's outfit or dress. Add special touches such as trims, appliqués, embroidery and bows. Then give your handiwork to underprivileged youngsters.
Help the cause by making a washable outfit or dress. Place it on a child-size plastic hanger and finish with a hang tag (available from One Dress at a Time). Donate the garment(s) to agencies, clothing banks, shelter services, schools or churches in your area. To make tax-deductible garment or cash donations directly to One Dress at a Time, or for more information, write to One Dress at a Time, Dept. SN, 4554 East Pebble Ridge, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253, call (602) 840-1447 or visit www.onedress.org.
Tragically, the day before Thanksgiving 1999, Vicki and Arnold Mollett lost their six-year-old son, Benjamin, to lung cancer. During Benjamin's traumatic year of chemotherapy and hospitalization, sewing became a big part of Vicki's life–and therapy.
With two active centers in the North Tucson area, this volunteer organization continues to serve teens and their families. At the Coronado K-8 school, boys and girls learn sewing and quilting as part of an after-school day-care program. At the other location, San Manuel Jr./Sr. High School, students are learning how to make binder covers and robes.
Founder Toni Pugliano's strategy is simple: Create a child's outfit or dress. Add special touches such as trims, appliqués, embroidery and bows. Then give your handiwork to underprivileged youngsters.