Young patients at Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis will continue to enjoy bright, colorful, handmade pillowcases made by volunteers in Winamac thanks to the generosity of Kankakee Valley REMC’s Operation Round Up program.
The Pillowcase Ladies recently received a $1,000 grant from the cooperative to help purchase fabric. The women have been making pillowcases for patients there since 2012. They were inspired by Winamac Community High School cheerleader Cierra Schmicker, who was hospitalized there for treatment. Their initial pillowcase sew was funded by donations from individuals and businesses. The ladies have continued to congregate and make pillowcases and have held successful fundraiser to cover the cost of their materials. Each pillowcase costs about $3 to make.
Kankakee Valley REMC is a member-owned rural electric cooperative serving approximately 18,000 members throughout portions of Starke, Pulaski, Porter, Lake, Marshall, St. Joseph and LaPorte Counties.