Conkerr Cancer has teamed up with Langley High School in order to brighten the day of cancer patients one vibrant pillowcase at a time. During the monthly Activity Period, student volunteers flock to the Human Anatomy room in order to participate in the rewarding mission. Ms. Effie Hoffman, who is the representative of the NOVA/Metro DC Chapter oversees the production of these pillowcases along with Langley PTSA board member, Ms. Betsy Shomaker, in order to ensure that the production runs efficiently. For every event at Langley, Hoffman brings the sewing machines that were donated by the Concord Sewing Machine Company and, she also brings the myriad of fabric patterns that were provided by the Wawa in Richmond, VA.
There are three stations that students can participate in: pinning, ironing, and sewing. With the number of students increasing at a rapid rate from six to twenty, the number of pillowcases that are produced has increased exponentially. Currently, during the half hour study period, 500 pillowcases are in different stages of being manufactured through the three step process, culminating with the completion of 25 by the time the bell rings. The remainder of the pillowcases are either saved to be finished next month, taken home and completed by the volunteers, or taken to other Conkerr Cancer events. The completed pillowcases are then sent to INOVA Fairfax Hospital and DC Children’s Hospital where they are given to the eagerly awaiting patients.