Volunteers Sew Comforting Pillows for Our Patients
Volunteers Dennis and Ray are fastidious about choosing fabrics that they think will brighten a child’s day and provide comfort. Unicorns, race cars, tigers and colorful llamas make their way across the assembly line as Dennis pins the fabric and Ray sews it all together.
The pillows can be a huge comfort to kids as they carry them around the hospital to testing and treatments. At the end of their stay, the children are able to take the pillows home with them.
Dennis O'Reilly and Ray Bronner have lived a life of service to others. For 31 years, they have served hot meals for residents of North Texas housing centers for people with HIV/AIDS. For the past 11 years, they extended their “Grub Club” to residents of the Ewing Center, which provides housing and support services for families impacted by HIV/AIDS, as well as low income and homeless people. In 2023, they received Texas’ AARP award for their extraordinary dedication to community service and volunteerism.
The couple retired about five years ago, but continue to cook and plan meals at those facilities every month. And rather than slow down, the couple decided to extend their volunteerism even further. Their niece, AVP of Quality and Care Management Affairs Crystal O'Reilly, introduced them to the Stitch-A-Wish program, in which volunteers sew, crochet or knit gifts for patients.
“We thought, well that’s a straight line, we could probably do that, how hard could it be?” Dennis said. “And we started doing that and found out that it’s very rewarding and a lot of fun.”
The couple aims to sew 15 to 20 pillows per month; their goal this year is to make 200 pillows. Overall, they’ve made somewhere around 600 pillows that go straight to kiddos at Cook Children’s. The Stitch-A-Wish program, which started in 2005, has over 400 volunteers; their creations include bibs, blankets and baby hats.
With over 50 nieces and nephews, Dennis and Ray were moved by the thought of how scary a hospital setting can be for a child.
“It’s the least little thing we can do,” Ray said.
They are fastidious about choosing fabrics that they think will brighten a child’s day and provide comfort. Unicorns, race cars, tigers and colorful llamas make their way across the assembly line as Dennis pins the fabric and Ray sews it all together.
The pillows can be a huge comfort to kids as they carry them around the hospital to testing and treatments. At the end of their stay, the children are able to take the pillows home with them.
In the winter, Dennis and Ray stay in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. In addition to volunteering at the food bank, they pack their sewing machine and fabrics along to continue making the pillows. Ray’s mom, who travels with them, joins in on the crafting, as well.
When talking with Ray and Dennis, their passion and joy for service is obvious, as is their humility surrounding their deeds.
“All of this is probably just speaking to the choir for those who work at Cook Children’s, but just the smallest amount of time or effort that can be provided to those in need is greatly appreciated,” Dennis said. “And all the warmth you get back is well beyond the energy you put forth.”
If you are interested in the Stitch-A-Wish program, you can contact Christy Beck, Stitch-a-Wish Program Coordinator, at christy.beck@cookchildrens.org or 682-885-4590.