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Community Outreach - Adults, GPR Community Outreach (Adults) Chair
For the past two years, members of the Yellow Rose Chapter of EGA in Houston, Texas have been stitching “kissing pillows” for the children and loved ones of the soldiers in the 75th Division of the U.S. Army Reserve, located in Houston. By the end of October 2006, we will have delivered 680 pillows to their Family Readiness Coordinator and they are begging for more and asking us never to stop stitching them. These “kissing pillows” have been wildly received by our servicemen and women and their families. Word is spreading and weI am receiving requests for pillows from all over the United States. As more and more servicemen and women are leaving their homes to serve our country, those left behind want to hold onto something in their place. These little pillows seem to be filling the need. Soldiers are telling their friends, family members are showing other family members, and the requests for these pillows are heartbreaking. We simply must find chapters to adopt soldier units in their areas. You can stitch one in less than 2 hours. Briefly, the 4” square, lightly stuffed pillows have a heart outline stitched on them, the words “I love you,” and two red, white and blue stars within the heart. They are backed with washable fabrics in patriotic and camouflage designs. Each pillow is presented in a plastic bag with a note explaining the purpose of the tiny pillow and expressing gratitude. The servicemen and women leaving for service of our country can kiss the heart pillow and give one to each of his or her children and loved ones to hold onto until they return home. The recipient will have his or her “kiss” in the lonely months ahead. A large selection of backing material is used so each person in one household can have his or her own identifiable pillow. We are told that the departing soldiers are having their loved ones kiss one pillow for themselves and are taking it with them when they leave. This little pillow is serving a great need. Below is the wording of our note that is attached to the bag containing the pillow. If any EGA chapters would like to “adopt” a military unit, we will make the pattern available to the chapter at no charge. You may copy it as many times as you need. The only restriction placed on the copyrighted design is that it be used solely for soldiers serving our country. We will provide you with the supply list, and our hints for making the 4” square pillows. They stitch up really fast and cost only a few cents each to make. We are stitching these as a community service and they should be given to the soldiers without charge. If you have any questions, please contact Geraldine Trappey at gtrappey@comcast.net., Community Outreach Chairman for Yellow Rose Chapter of EGA, Inc. The Intial Letter mentions a November deadline but that no longer applies. |
Soldier Kissing Pillows