Sew Kindness
How a Simple Pillowcase Became a Symbol of Dignity, Comfort, and Care
Kari Jones had a needle and thread—and an idea. She wanted to learn how to sew colorful pillowcases for her granddaughters as a way to weave a little joy into their lives. Little did she know that this project, born of love, would seamlessly wind through the fabric of our community.
Her idea became Sew Kindness, a nonprofit organization that provides handmade, custom pillowcases to youth in foster care and those experiencing homelessness. The pillowcases offer a tangible reminder to the recipients that they are valued and cared for during challenging times.
“Sew Kindness was inspired by a tutorial video I watched in 2020,” Kari says. “The video suggested that the gift of a pillowcase not be underestimated, because it could make a difference in someone’s life. I felt like God tapped me on the shoulder and stirred me to start an organization that provides pillowcases to people in our community who may be hurting or in a difficult situation.” Through the simple yet profound act of sewing, this organization transforms fabric into symbols of comfort, security, and hope.
“As a person who found herself unexpectedly pregnant before being married, I can relate in a small way to people who find themselves in circumstances that are not what they planned or hoped for,” Kari says. “I was fortunate to have had faith in God, as well as the support of family and friends, to help me through my challenging days, but not everyone does.”
Kari reflects on the humble beginnings of the organization and marvels at the impact it has today. “In April of 2020, I registered Sew Kindness as an LLC so I could obtain a business license and order fabric wholesale. At one point, I remember telling a friend that I was going to need some help, because I was having visions of sitting in my own little sweatshop in the basement day after day sewing pillowcases into the wee hours,” Kari says.
In the summer of 2021, Kari began reaching out to find other like-minded seamstresses. “My plan was to purchase the fabric and make pillowcase kits to give to people who were interested in sewing. Friends put me in touch with people they knew, and slowly an inventory of pillowcases began to accumulate,” she says.
A year later, Kari connected with Johanna Kennedy, co-director of Haven Camps, which provides the opportunity for children in foster care in Montana to attend summer camps just for them. “She accepted our offer to provide new pillows and pillowcases for the 47 campers that year, so that was Sew Kindness’s inaugural gift,” Kari says.
Kari shares an excerpt from a letter written by Johanna that speaks to the heart of her mission. The letter spoke of the children walking into a room with tables covered in colorful pillowcases. “Many of the children who come to our camps have very little to call their own. Some have moved foster homes up to seven times. They left camp that week with their very own new pillow and pillowcase,” Johanna shares. “Secondly, the children were able to choose what they liked. These precious children have had most, if not all, of their decisions stripped away from them.” The letter went on to say that allowing each child to hand-pick their pillowcase was one small decision that they got to make.
Crafting these pillowcases is as much of a gift to the children who receive them as they are to the volunteers who lend their skills to the project. “I was honored when Kari asked me to be a part of this project. It was a way for me to use my skill to serve and maybe let a child know they are loved by me, and by God,” says sewing volunteer, Sue Roberts. Jan Zoanni, another volunteer with the program, adds, “Happy and joyful would describe how I felt sewing these beautiful pillowcases! I hope it brings joy and happiness to the sweet children too!”
Sew Kindness is a testament to the power of small, intentional acts of compassion. As the vision continues to grow, Sew Kindness hopes to expand its reach, partnering with more organizations and engaging more volunteers to bring comfort to people of all ages.
“I was recently asked if we would consider donating pillowcases to a local nursing home. Of course, we were thrilled to do so,” Kari says. “It took some time to purchase fabric and make pillowcases appropriate for more mature ladies and gentlemen, but I am delighted to say we will keep enough inventory there so that choosing a pillowcase will be part of the welcome process when new residents move in!”
In a world that can feel overwhelming, Sew Kindness reminds us that a single stitch can mend hearts and restore hope. Through the simple act of sewing a pillowcase, this nonprofit is creating a legacy of love, one child, or even one adult, at a time.
TO LEARN MORE, visit sewkindness.com and join the movement to sew kindness into the lives of those who need it most.
Sew Kindness
How you can help the mission
Sew Kindness operates with a community-driven model that invites volunteers to contribute their sewing talents. The process is straightforward yet impactful:
• Pillowcase Kits: Volunteers can request a pillowcase kit, which includes a pattern and pre-cut, 100% cotton fabric. Sewers provide their own thread and skills, crafting the pillowcase within two weeks and returning it to Sew Kindness for distribution to a local child or teen in need.
• Donations and Purchases: For those who can’t sew, Sew Kindness offers the option to purchase a pillowcase, with each purchase directly funding a donated pillowcase for a child. Monetary donations are also accepted — $20 provides a custom pillowcase, and $30 covers both a pillowcase and a pillow.
• Community Partnerships: Sew Kindness collaborates with local organizations—like Tumbleweed, Yellowstone County Child and Family Services, Hannah House, and Love and SONshine Home—to deliver custom pillowcases to places where they are needed most.
