The Naperville Noon Lions and KaLaCares have partnered on a new project that will provide books, hand-made decorated pillowcases and comfort toys, such as stuffed lions, to children admitted to Edward Hospital Pediatric Unit. Their aim is to bring comfort and positive memories to the children.
KaLaCares will provide the pillowcases and the Naperville Noon Lions Club will provide the other comfort items that the children can keep upon leaving the hospital. KaLa represents the initial two letters of twin sisters Karen Butz of Naperville and Laura Seyfarth of Mill Valley, California. The sisters, both avid quilters, came up with the pillowcase idea as a result of hearing about the one million-pillowcase challenge sponsored by the American Patch Work and Quilting Association.
The women approached Candace Olander, Director of the Healing Arts Department at Edward Hospital, who fully supported the idea. Orlander and Naperville Noon Lions Club Board member Donna Kearney were instrumental in moving the project forward.
In addition, Edward committed to funding all pillowcase fabric cost for the next fiscal year. So far, KaLaCares has delivered 240 pillowcases with plans to recruit additional individuals to complete 720 pillowcases during the next year.
Linda Strugalla, Chairperson of the Lions Club Comfort Toy program, noted the pillowcase project was the perfect fit. Joining together with KaLaCares will enhance both programs with other items for these children and increased funding which will be provided by the Naperville Noon Lions Foundation. Edward Hospital program coordinators Olander and Nina Sittler, Certified Child Life Specialist, welcomed both partnerships and fully support the efforts as a great idea for the kids.
In addition, the Lions Club will provide a stuffed lion and reading material to both Naperville Beidelman-Kunsch Funeral Homes locations for each child age 10 and younger who has lost an immediate family member.
These programs are among many Lions community service projects in the Naperville area, supporting the Lions’ mission to empower volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace and promote international understanding through Lions clubs.
