What is The Pillow Case Project?
The Pillow Case Project is an effort to eliminate the black plastic garbage bag used by CPS workers and/or police officers to collect a child’s belongings when it has been determined that the child needs to be removed from an unsafe home environment.
No child should have to face the indignity of having their personal possessions stuffed into a garbage bag at one of the most traumatic moments in their young life.
While nothing can eliminate the trauma of being removed from their home – a cheerful / pretty pillow case they can use to gather their belongings – and that they get to keep, is a small step in the right direction.
Why this pattern is – and will always be – free to use:
While this pattern and the pillow cases created using these instructions won’t solve the underlying problems – they can become a gift to the child facing this heartbreaking situation. I created this pattern to bring to light the difficulty of these moments in the life of the child, their family, and the officers and care workers trying to keep everyone safe.
This specific pattern* – QB154 – The Pillow Case Project is free to use and share for this purpose, and this purpose only. You are welcome to print in its entirety, make copies and share it with friends.
Looking for a place to donate your Pillow Case in your community?
Community Outreach Officers: Most areas have a community outreach officer within their local police department. This officer may be able to receive your donation and redistribute the pillow cases to police officers to carry in their vehicle so they have them when the need arises.
Children’s Protective Services: These state agencies have offices in most communities. Call first to find out who the donation coordinator is and ask to speak with them. Explain the reason for your donation – they should be able to accept your donation and redistribute the pillow cases to CPS workers in the field.
A final note: I highly recommend individually packaging each Pillow Case you create and donating it in a plastic zip bag. This will keep them clean and ready when they are needed.
*Please note – sharing of patterns without express permission from the designer/copyright owner is illegal.