Reporter staff

A new challenge, and a record.

Wesley Homes Lea Hill residents put in more than 762 hours of labor to cut, sew, and press a record 444 pillowcases for the fourth annual Auburn Valley YMCA drive for Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital and Auburn Children’s Charities.

The campaign celebrated its achievement by donating the pillowcases to the Y during a town hall meeting at Wesley Homes on March 12.

A community volunteer force of 39 strong, including 28 Wesley Homes Lea Hill residents, combined to donate their time, skill, fabric and money to assure the pillowcases were made for the hospital and other supporting agencies.

The seamstresses used their imagination to sew, embroider and decorate pillows.

Wesley Hill residents contributed 206 yards of material. Community members donated another 141 yards.

With enough fabric available, no other purchases were necessary, said Helena Hanna, chairperson for the pillowcase project.

“I applaud and thank every person who chose this as their ‘addiction of the month of February,’” Hanna said of the group effort. “What an amazing bunch of helpers.”

Collected pillowcases will be distributed to patients at Mary Bridge. Son Rise House for Women and Children in Kent, Children’s Home Society in Auburn, and Auburn Youth Resources also will receive pillowcases.

Patients receive the pillowcases during treatment and may take them home. Children can choose a pillowcase to become a comfort item for chemotherapy, surgery, tests or traumatic, life-changing circumstances.

The goal this year is 1,200 pillowcases.

The Y, at 1620 Perimeter Road, will continue to collect pillowcases until April 15.