Fashion Students at South High School in Downers Grove Sew for Smiles

Students from three fashion classes at South High School in Downers Grove are sewing up a storm to help cheer the spirits of children with cancer. By joining to support the mission of the ConKerr Cancer Charitible Organization, students will create nearly 100 pillowcases by the end of the semester to help children feel special and brighten their day while battling life changing illnesses.

“Our students have been overwhelmingly enthusiastic about this project,” says teacher Cindy Farren, who brought the idea to the school. “This program has served the benefit of not only teaching students fundamental sewing skills--but also altruism.” 

“This is a great simple project anyone can do to make a child happy and I am glad I got to be part of it!” says freshman Julia Szumny.

“Before the project I didn’t even know how to turn the machine on, so through this project I learned basic skills of sewing,” says sophomore Nicole Janowiak. “I also learned that I can do a simple thing like making a pillowcase in class and that will brighten a kid’s day…our class pillowcases are like a ray of sunshine on a gloomy day!”

The pillowcases are being delivered to Children’s Memorial Hospital, University of Illinois Medical Center, and Rush University Medical.