Foreground, Leanne Stortz Middle: Lisa Smith, Julie Wolbers and Margo Brooks Background: Marilyn Murphy, Barb Bell, Laura Steffes and Cindy Drummond NOT PICTURED: Thelma Roloff, Deb Stortz and Colleen Edgerton

On a recent crisp October day, the fellowship hall at Erie United Methodist Church buzzed with the hum of sewing machines and the laughter of volunteers. Almost a dozen church members and friends worked together to sew 165 handmade pillowcases for children in foster care.

The project, benefiting Raising Hope, Erie, and My GEAR Outreach (Clinton, Ia.), brought together people of all ages with a shared purpose: to provide a small source of comfort to children entering foster homes across the area.

Raising Hope and My GEAR are local foster-care closets providing essential items—such as clothing, bedding, hygiene products, and comfort items—to children who may arrive in new foster placements with little more than the clothes they’re wearing.

“Each pillowcase was sewn with love,” said Pastor Tiffany Garcea, who spearheads Raising Hope. “We want every child to have something bright, cheerful, and truly their own. It’s something simple, but it can mean a lot during a difficult time.”

Volunteers transformed donated fabric into colorful pillowcases featuring playful patterns, animals, and vibrant designs. They work throughout the year to help reach the yearly goal of 100 pillowcases. Some participants sewed at home, while others gathered at the church fellowship hall for a sewing day filled with fellowship and purpose.

“These pillowcases are more than fabric and thread; they’re a message to each child that they are seen, valued, and loved,” said one volunteer.

In 2019, the Erie United Methodist Church’s sewing group, The Sewing Saturday Ladies, volunteered to sew 100 pillowcases for My GEAR. The project was completed during their Mission Week that summer. The women greatly enjoyed the project.

In 2021, when Pastor Tiffany created the local Raising Hope, the women added to their efforts to include her ministry. Once a year, they gather to sew, fellowship and pray for those receiving the pillowcases. Since 2019, they have donated over 1,000 pillowcases between the two foster-care closets.

For 2026, they have decided to host two community sewing days. The decision was made when they realized some of their volunteers missed out on the fellowship because of their school schedule--the youngest volunteer is seven years old!

The sewing group has also added Christmas stockings for Raising Hope’s Angel Tree gifts to their community sewing outreach. 

Before organizers delivered the pillowcases to the foster care closets, members of Erie UMC blessed the 165 pillowcases during a worship service. 

Anyone interested in helping with future sewing days or donating fabric can contact Erie UMC at (309) 659-2541 for more information. Also, check out Raising Hope, Erie and My GEAR Outreach on Facebook to learn more. 

“It’s amazing to see what can happen when people come together for a common purpose,” said Deb Stortz . “Every pillowcase was made with love—and that’s something every child deserves.”