Pelican Preserve Women Sewing for Global and Local Communities
The story of the Sewing Pelicans from Pelican Preserve in South Fort Myers is honestly pretty heartwarming. It shows just how much community matters and how giving back can change lives.
These women took their love for sewing and turned it into a mission to help others, both nearby and far away. They make teddy bears, quilts, and even sanitary products for girls in places where it’s tough to get those things.
In their sewing room, it’s not just about crafting—it’s the center of a whole movement. The Sewing Pelicans, about 30 women strong, get together regularly to create and donate all kinds of items. You’ll see:
- Teddy bears for kids facing outpatient surgery
- Dog beds for animal shelters
- Surgical caps and quilts for adults in hospice care
So far, they’ve given away over 2,400 items to veterans, girls at the PACE Center, and plenty of others.
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Little Dresses for Africa
Joyce Marcotte leads a group of about 20 women on the Little Dresses for Africa project. Their goal is to give young girls new dresses, which lifts spirits and helps keep them safer from trafficking.
They’ve made over 1,000 outfits and just keep going. The group collects Beanie Babies to tuck into dress pockets for the little ones, and they sew zipper purses for older girls’ dresses. Photos of smiling girls in their new clothes hang on the wall—a real reminder of what these women have done.
Sewing 4 Valor: Honoring Veterans
Sewing 4 Valor is another group at Pelican Preserve, made up of 27 women. They focus on making red, white, and blue quilts for veterans in hospice care.
These quilts offer comfort and often become treasured keepsakes for families. The women use their own money for everything—fabric, flannel, batting, even spray adhesive—so every quilt is made with care and respect.
Sanitary Products for Girls in Less Developed Countries
There’s also a project for making sanitary products for girls in less developed countries. These flannel items let girls go to school during their periods when they’d otherwise have to stay home.
Karen Billman, one of the members, says this work directly helps girls stay in school and feel empowered. It’s tough not to agree with her—it really matters.
Community Support and Involvement
It’s not just the sewers who get involved at Pelican Preserve. Some women join just because they want to help, even if they don’t sew at first. They find ways to contribute, and sometimes end up learning to quilt themselves.
The sewing room buzzes with activity. There’s a whole row of sewing machines, some donated, some bought by the community. Fabrics come from donations or straight from the women’s own pockets. That kind of commitment is hard to fake.
The Broader Impact
What these women do reaches way beyond their neighborhood. Their projects touch lives from Africa and the Dominican Republic to veterans right here at home.
If you’re curious about what else the Sewing Pelicans and other Pelican Preserve groups are up to, check out the original article.
Conclusion: The Power of Sewing for Good
The story of the Sewing Pelicans sticks with me. It shows what happens when a group comes together for something bigger than themselves.
These women pour their time and care into every project. They’re making more than just useful or pretty things—they’re building a real sense of generosity and warmth.
Watching their dedication, I can’t help but wonder what small ways any of us could pitch in. Maybe it’s sewing, maybe it’s something else entirely. Either way, there’s always a chance to help out, even if it’s just lending a hand or showing up when someone needs it.
