Sewing for Charity
Do you love to sew? Would you like to make a difference in people living in extreme poverty half a world away? Then we have the perfect project for you! Read below to see how you or your group can make pillowcases for children, and aprons for women in Nicaragua.
Sweet Dreams - Pillowcases, made with love
These lovely pillowcases were made by various church sewing groups and individuals in Illinois. We packed them in several suitcases and people sponsored the airfare to get them with our team to Nicaragua. We took over 200 with us in 2024!
Many were given out at tutoring center, school, and churches along the way. Kid’s and adults loved them! Note from the staff: While not all the people who received pillowcases own pillows, people will fold their towel or put spare clothes in the cases for a pillow.
We took over 60 with us to the feeding center above and presented them to the wonderful woman and her daughter who run a feeding program for the village children on weekends so the children will have a healthy meal when they are not in school. Most of the homes in this part of the village do not have running water or electricity . She prepares the rice and beans in a huge pot over an open fire which is very common in Nicaragua.
Guidelines: Standard or twin size pillow cases are perfect! While most of these are given to children, some go to men and women. We only need to avoid patriotic prints or anything Halloween. Flannel, cotton, or blends are fine. Premade ones you find at yardsales, Goodwill, etc are also appreciated and can be purchased for very little.
Aprons are Essential
Aprons are essential in a country where most of the people living in poverty cook over open fires and use large pots and pans to prepare meals. Aprons serve many purposes. They give the cook something to wipe their hands on quickly of they get splashed, the long front can be gathered together to use as a hot pad when moving pots, and it prevents the cook’s clothing from being splattered. Many women have few clothes and do not want what they own to be ruined. Most people still do their laundry by hand in the family sink/laundry basin, which is a lot of work.
Women are over joyed to receive a gift of a new or gently used aprons. This small act of compassion really touches them that absolute strangers would care enough to send something so thoughtful and practical.
Guidelines: Aprons can be half or full sized. We only ask that they are not patriotic or Halloween themed. Otherwise the women enjoy brighter colors. Culturally fabrics that are faded, which are popular here, are viewed as “worn out” in their culture so Prairie type fabrics are not the best choice.
Pillowcases and aprons can be mailed to or dropped off at:
The Education Garden 333 Otter Road Trenton, Il 62293
If you live in the STL Metro East area, bulk pick ups can be arrange. We also have presentations if your group would like a guest speaker to learn more about our work in Nicaragua and how you can be a part of this fulfilling and compasionate outreach.
Visit our Facbook page @ The Education Garden - Project Nica and share pictures of your creations!
