At first, Van Antwerp Middle School sixth-graders found threading bobbins and stitching fabric challenging, but all agreed that their efforts with needle and thread were more than worthwhile. After all, the students had created approximately 40 pillows in their Home and Careers classes that will be given to children in Albany Medical Center’s Child Cancer program.
At the end of January, students presented the pillows to Tracy Pitcher, the director of patient and family services for the local chapter of the American Cancer Society, who will place them in comfort baskets containing other personal care items.
“Next to the federal government, the American Cancer Society is the largest investor in research for new cancer treatments,” Pitcher told the students while discussing the variety of careers and volunteer opportunities that exist within the American Cancer Society and in the broader healthcare field.
In addition to the basics of sewing, students learned about teamwork, communication, problem solving and goal setting. Technology also played a role. Most students scoured the Internet for peaceful images of sunsets or flowers, and cuddly photos of kittens and puppies to download, while a few, like Hannah Hamilton, drew original pictures that were scanned into the computer. The images were printed on transfer paper, donated by RIS Paper House, and then ironed onto the fabric. The comforting images adorned one side of the pillow, while messages of encouragement appeared on the opposite side.
To recognize the students for their efforts, Cold Stone Creamery provided an ice-cream treat. And while the ice-cream was clearly a hit with students, some, like sixth-grader Charlie Launsbach maintained an altruistic view of the project.
“It’s the overall feeling you get knowing that what you’re doing will help other people,” he said.
The pillow project was a collaborative effort between the Niskayuna school, the American Cancer Society, Ronald McDonald House, Albany Medical Center, RIS Paper House, and Cold Stone Creamery. To help defray some of the cost of other materials, students sold blue tolerance bands from Tolerance for All, an organization that promotes respect for diverse cultures and religions.

(January 2007)