Volunteers Provide Pillowcases to Brenner Childrens Hospital

Winston-Salem volunteers gather every September to sew comfort items for children battling serious illnesses.

Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Philanthropy

A stack of colorful, patterned cotton pillowcases sits next to a classic manual sewing machine on a wooden table, representing volunteer comfort efforts. — Volunteers from the Ryan's Case for Smiles Winston-Salem chapter gathered in September to produce handmade pillowcases for children at Brenner Children's Hospital. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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In September 2026, dedicated volunteers from the Winston-Salem chapter of Ryan's Case for Smiles assembled to create colorful pillowcases for patients. These items are crafted to provide comfort and cheer to children receiving care at Brenner Children's Hospital.

Why it matters

The initiative aims to provide comfort to children battling serious illnesses while they undergo treatment. By personalizing the hospital experience, the volunteers strive to boost morale for patients and their families during difficult stays.

Volunteers consistently produce between 500 and 600 handmade pillowcases every September. This local chapter of the organization has been active in the region since 2012.

The players

Cynthia Harris

Cynthia Harris is the founder of the local Winston-Salem chapter of Ryan's Case for Smiles.

Brenner Children's Hospital

Brenner Children's Hospital is a medical facility in Winston-Salem that provides specialized care for pediatric patients.

Ryan's Case for Smiles

Ryan's Case for Smiles is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping children feel better and heal by providing them with bright, colorful pillowcases.

The details

Volunteers from the Stokes County area gather their own sewing machines and fabric to cut, assemble, and sew the pillowcases during their multi-day annual event. The effort relies on ongoing collections of fabric and financial donations gathered throughout the year to maintain operations.

Cynthia Harris founded the local chapter in 2012.
Volunteers gather every September to manufacture the pillowcases.

Market Landscape

This effort follows a pattern set by the national Ryan's Case for Smiles network to provide tangible comfort to pediatric patients. The local chapter contributes to a wider landscape of community-driven philanthropy that supplements standard hospital services.

Local residents looking to support the initiative can contribute fabric or financial donations throughout the year. These materials are essential for the volunteers who gather annually to produce the comfort items for hospital patients.

The takeaway

Community-led initiatives often play a critical role in supplementing the supportive care environment for pediatric patients. Residents can support these programs by donating supplies or volunteering their time to local craft-based missions.