Franklin Elementary Sewing Project Inspires Community Kindness and Generosity

At Paul Smith Elementary School, something pretty heartwarming has been happening. Kara Cole, who’s been sewing for over 50 years, has been teaching young kids how to sew—yep, real hands-on stuff.

This year, her project felt especially meaningful. The kids got to make pillowcases out of donated fabrics.

It wasn’t just about stitches and seams. The whole thing showed the kids how much community support and generosity matter.

But then Cole realized—some students didn’t even have pillows for their new cases. That’s when Trinity Episcopal Church jumped in and donated a pillow for every child.

With their new pillows and pillowcases, the kids celebrated. They snuggled up during a “Drop Everything and Read” event with their favorite books.

The Inspiration Behind the Project

Kara Cole started sewing more than five decades ago. She’s always loved passing on the skill.

About four years back, her college-aged daughters told her their friends would throw out clothes just because of a missing button or a small tear. That surprised Cole.

She thought, why not teach young kids how to fix things themselves? As the library media specialist for Franklin School District, she saw her shot at Paul Smith Elementary.

A Tradition of Creativity

Every year, Cole brings in a new sewing project for the students. They’ve made everything from little cushions to mittens, and even practiced sewing on buttons.

The projects teach useful skills, sure, but they also spark creativity and give the kids a real sense of accomplishment. This year felt different, though, thanks to a fabric donation from Friends of Forgotten Children, a nonprofit that helps low-income families.

The Pillowcase Project

With all that donated fabric, Cole figured pillowcases would be perfect. She let the kids—preschool through third grade—pick from 150 fabric patterns.

That little bit of choice made the project way more personal. Plus, they learned to sew a basic seam. It’s a simple start, but it’s something they can build on.

Community Support

As things moved along, Cole noticed not every child had a pillow at home. Wanting every student to enjoy their work, she reached out to Trinity Episcopal Church in Meredith.

The church didn’t hesitate. They donated 280 pillows—one for every student at the school. That kind of generosity really makes you think about the power of people coming together.

Celebrating with “Drop Everything and Read”

To wrap up the project and kick off February break, the school held a “Drop Everything and Read” event. For an hour, the kids cozied up with their new pillows and their favorite books.

It was more than just reading. The kids got to feel proud of what they’d made with their own hands.

Looking Forward

Kara Cole keeps bringing new sewing projects to Paul Smith Elementary every year. Her passion and the community’s support really show what’s possible when people care.

Who knows what the next project will be? If this year’s any indication, it’ll be something special—and the kids will walk away with more than just a new skill.

Get Involved

If Kara Cole’s story and the pillowcase project strike a chord with you, maybe it’s time to get involved in your own community. You could donate materials, pitch in as a volunteer, or back local nonprofits—there’s no shortage of ways to make a difference.

Honestly, it just feels good to help out. When we come together, we’re not just giving back—we’re passing along real skills and building a sense of belonging for the next generation.

Curious to learn more about this initiative? You can check out the original article on the Concord Monitor.