Students are putting their sewing skills to good use as they help people in the community, one stitch at a time.

Family and Consumer Science students at Whitewater Middle have quilted and sewn items throughout the year that have been donated to local charities. As the school year draws to a close, students are still busy stitching together items to bring comfort to those who need it the most.

Their most recent project is the One Million Pillowcase Challenge sponsored by American Patchwork and Quilting magazine. Seventh grade students, under the supervision of their teacher Laurel Hinze, made 47 pillowcases that were taken to Heritage Quilts in Newnan, a local retailer participating in the challenge.

The One Million Pillowcase Challenge provides pillowcases to local charities. A pillowcase can provide comfort for a cancer patient, hope for a foster child, encouragement for a battered woman or beauty for a nursing home resident. Heritage Quilts has identified a number of charities to receive donated pillowcases including the Hole in the Wall Gang camp for children with serious illnesses and the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota.

“Our students have once again shared their sewing skills, knowledge and encouragement to families with serious illnesses and those who are in need of assistance. What a positive and rewarding experience for both the students and recipients,” says Hinze.