A simple bean-shaped pillow has brought comfort to hundreds of post-operative mastectomy patients, thanks to the efforts of the members of St. Peter Lutheran Church. The Ladies Guild/Lutheran Women’s Missionary League members make the majority of the pillows, but other members help out, including some men.
The pillows are made without sewing. Using double layers of soft fleece, the members cut the shapes, cut slits around the edges to form a fringe, tie the two layers together and stuff the forms with fiberfill. The completed pillows are donated to Porter Regional Hospital in Valparaiso and St. Mary’s in Hobart. Patients are given the pillows immediately after surgery and can use them to provide support and comfort and as a protection while wearing a seatbelt.
They are also ideal for people who have had surgery on arms, shoulders or clavicles.
The idea for the Pillow Service Project came from St. Peter member Betty Hull. Her daughter had received one following her surgery in another state. Hull suggested the project to St. Peter.
The members have made and donated over 400 pillows since the project began into late 2012.
Sometimes they gather at church to work on them together, and sometimes members take them home to work on at their convenience.
The workers watch for sales on fleece and fiberfill and also accept donations of these items or money to purchase them. They choose cheerful colors, usually a solid color on one side with a coordinating print on the other. Some pillows in camouflage or sports patterns are more suitable for men.
“For those that need a soft squeeze and God’s blessings, these come to you from the pillow makers at St. Peter,” said Joleen Wilson, the present chairperson of the project.
A laminated bookmark is attached to each pillow. It has the church’s logo and the words: “From your friends at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Portage, IN. As you hold this pillow, may it be a reminder that you are loved and that we are praying for you. May God give you peace and may you find comfort in knowing that He is with you every single moment. ‘Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.’ 1 Peter 5:7 Sharing God’s Love, The People of St. Peter Lutheran Church.”
The bookmarks are printed and laminated at X-Press Printing in Portage.
If you would like to assist in this project, either by donating or by helping make the pillows, please call the St. Peter office between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at 762-2673.
St. Peter is a Missouri Synod Lutheran Church. Sunday services are 9:00 a.m. for the contemporary service and 11 a.m. for the traditional service. For further information, go to www.stpeterportage.com.