By Sabrina Cardin
AMESBURY — A long stay in the hospital often includes a colorless and completely sterile environment, with patients fortunate to find a window with a view or a roommate who sleeps through the night.
Believing that finding a warm, colorful place for patients to rest their heads can be the perfect remedy for an extended illness, Crafters Quarters, in conjunction with ConKerr Cancer, are inviting locals to team up to help children with life-changing illnesses and injury.
On Feb. 15, from noon to 6 p.m., people are invited to Crafters Quarters to sew creative pillowcases. Sewing machines, fabric and thread will all be donated, and people are encouraged to get creative in the spirit of brightening the hospital stay of children from 2 to 17 years old.
"Creating something special for children like a colorful pillowcase shows how a very simple gesture can go a long way," Kerri Savina said.
The nonprofit, ConKerr Cancer, was formed in 2002 by Cindy Kerr and has grown quickly. Kerr's son, Ryan, became sick with a life-threatening illness in 2002, and as a way to brighten his hospital room and spirits, she sewed colorful pillowcases. The pillowcases soon caught on, and children throughout his hospital wing were requesting them.
Six years later Ryan lost his battle, but the nonprofit pushes on helping children across the United States. Kerr has appeared on TV shows including the "Martha Stewart Show" and now has directors in almost every state helping make upwards of 450 pillowcases a month per director.
"I'm a mother of four, and we love to craft," Savina said. "When I learned about ConKerr, I knew it was the perfect way to give back."
Savina of Danville, N.H., has helped make pillowcases for a year and recently became a regional director for the nonprofit. She caught the eye of Crafters Quarters' owner Jennifer Rogers at a recent quilting convention. Rogers asked Savina if she could host a pillowcase in-service day, and her wish was granted.
"Jennifer does so much through her business, and I was thrilled when she asked to host an in-service day," Savina said. "The more people who come out, the better."
All pillowcases are washed in a special detergent, wrapped and delivered with a card of encouragement. Pillowcases from the in-service day will be delivered to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H.
"A lot of people get overwhelmed, but this is an easy way to give back. Kids love it. They beam when they receive these," Savina said.
To make a personal donation contact Kerri Savina at 45 Diamond Drive, Danville, NH 03819 or e-mail nutswithfour@yahoo.com.
ConKerr and Crafters Quarters will host an in-service day of pillow-making on Sunday, Feb. 15, from noon to 6 p.m., at 36 Main St., Amesbury. Sewing machines, thread and fabric will be supplied, but volunteers are encouraged to bring their own materials.
