Church of Our Saviour, Okeechobee, is known for its loving outreach ministries that begin with needle and thread. One of these involves sewing bright, cheery pillowcases for Ryan’s Case for Smiles, a volunteer organization dedicated to helping kids with cancer and other life-changing illnesses “feel better to heal better.” On Saturday, March 25, the church held a Quilt Show and Luncheon to support this effort.

“It was our first quilt show. The response was overwhelming,” said Christine Fuller, quilter, pillowcase creator and one of the show’s co-organizers with Peggy Harlow, quilter and Ryan’s Cases creator, and Diane Hagan, vestry member. “We had 140 quilts on display in the church, the parish hall and the outdoor colonnade. Parishioners made some, and the community loaned us some. 

“Every quilt told a story and reflected the love that went into every stitch,” she said. “There was no admission fee, and the quilts were not for sale. We just wanted people to enjoy them. There was a basket for donations, and we received $350 to buy fabrics for more pillowcases.”     

Those who sew for the church watch for sales at fabric stores before purchasing needed material. “When Hobby Lobby has its 40% off sale, we can really get a lot of fun, happy fabric,” Fuller said.  

Harlow added that much thought goes into the fabrics used. “I love picking out fabrics I think will put a smile on a child’s face.” 

One of the quilts on display was made by a grandmother as a wedding present for her granddaughter. She used fabric from dresses she wore when she met Presidents Truman and Eisenhower and cloth from the granddaughter’s baptismal and graduation gowns. Another quilt in the display was from 1849.  

Guests enjoyed a soup and salad lunch; tables sported gingham placemats, antique Singer sewing machines, and colorful threads and notions. 

The parish supports its members’ sewing for Ryan’s Cases for Smiles, earmarking a percentage of the church’s yard sale profits for the outreach. 

The pillowcases the church produces also include a prayer covering, Harlow explained. “While sewing, I pray not only for the child receiving the pillowcase but also for the parents, siblings and grandparents!” 

While other great organizations focus on research and finding a cure, Ryan’s Case for Smiles works to improve the quality of life of children and their families as they undergo treatment. In 2007, Cindy Kerr created the first pillowcase for her son Ryan, who had been diagnosed with cancer. 

The organization started with a simple goal: to create and distribute whimsical pillowcases that give children an emotional boost and remind them that their illnesses do not define them. Today, its programs have expanded to include the children’s entire families so they can better navigate and cope with a  horrific experience and avoid long-term emotional trauma. Ryan’s Cases for Hope has partnered with PTSD experts at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Nemours Children’s Health, Delaware, to create valuable web-based information and tools for each family member’s unique experience. 

There are 120 chapters with over 40 million volunteer hours donated every year; Ryan’s Cases for Hope helps more than 75,000 children annually. Through the years, the organization has delivered over 2.5 million pillowcases, and Church of Our Saviour intends to keep doing its part.

“The community is already asking for another quilt show,” said Mueller. “The writer of a thank- you note to the church marveled at how the community rose to the occasion, from the quilt lending from people in Okeechobee to the turnout, and asked if we’d please do another one around Christmas.”  

The parish plans to have a quilt show every other year. “This timeline will give the quilters time to make new quilts,” Fuller said. “I hope the next one will be even more successful.”

Those interested in sponsoring a similar event are encouraged to call the church office at 863-763-4843; the co-organizers will be glad to offer recommendations and advice.