Wakeman Teens Make a Case for Smiles

Cutting bright and cheery cotton fabrics, pinning them together, and running the pieces through a sewing machine, Torch Clubbers smile, knowing that their work will bring lots of joy to kids in local hospitals. These Torch Clubbers are making pillowcases for Ryan’s Case for Smiles, an organization that aims to help sick children “feel better to heal better” by providing them with colorful handmade pillowcases.

"We get the fabric from schools and stores. We measure, cut and sew it... I’ve probably made 8-9 so far. I really like sewing and it’s for a good cause. Doing good things for others is what makes us al happy in torch club!" said seventh grader Charlie.

Torch Club meets twice monthly at Wakeman for this project. There is a dedication and community spirit that shines through each time, as Torch Clubbers work as a team to cut fabric and help each other out on the sewing machines.

According to seventh grader Sophia, "It will hopefully take their mind off what their going through and thankful people have done this for you. The hardest thing is making the first pillow. I have a sewing machine at home and sewing is one of my hobbies."

With lots of cozy cottons cut, pinned, and sewn so far, the primary focus ahead will be to finish sewing all the remaining pillowcases by the close of the year and deliver them to the Case for Smiles regional coordinator, who will distribute them to kids at the Bridgeport Hospital and Ronald McDonald House.

We are looking for an additional sewing machine to use for the project. There is sure to lots more fun for the makers of the pillowcases, and lots of smiles for the kids who receive them, ahead. Thank you to all of Torch Club for your help in bringing joy to sick children in hospitals!

Written by Harper, Grade 8 Torch Club Member at Wakeman Boys & Girls Club

About Ryan's Case for Smiles:
Ryan’s Case for Smiles (formerly ConKerr Cancer) was founded in 2007 to bring comfort and support to young patients and their families in hospitals around the globe. We started with a simple goal: to create and distribute whimsical pillowcases that give children an emotional boost and remind them that they are not defined by their illness. Today, our programs have expanded to include the children’s entire families so they can better navigate and cope with a very difficult experience and avoid long term emotional trauma. To ensure the highest quality care, we have partnered with PTSD experts at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children to create valuable web-based information and tools designed for each member of the family’s unique experience.
Learn more at www.caseforsmiles.org/about-us

About Wakeman Boys & Girls Club:
Since 1913, Wakeman Boys & Girls Club has provided a safe place for youth and teens after school, evenings and weekends. Focused on Academics, Character & Leadership Development, and Healthy Lifestyles with nationally acclaimed programming, the Club continues its mission “to guide and inspire young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens.” Led by professional staff and volunteers whose sole purpose is to help kids BE GREAT, the organization serves nearly 3,600 youth annually through its Southport Clubhouse, Smilow-Burroughs Clubhouse in Bridgeport and Outreach at McKinley School in Fairfield.