OCHS To Create Pillowcase Sundresses For Children

Ocean City High School students will gather around Monday during lunch, and eating isn't all they'll be doing.

Students in Barbara Daniel's World Cultures class and Rubina Dombrosky's International Crafts class will come together in an old-fashioned sewing circle to create sundresses for students in need. But, they won't use just any fabric — each student will create a dress out of a pillow case without wasting a scrap.

Little Dresses For Africa is an organization located in Brownstown, Mich. While on a trip to Malawi, some women saw the tattered clothing on the children. They quickly realized that something had to be done, and while looking for simple patterns, they found the idea of pillowcases. 

"They are readily available, and because the hem is already in the material, even a novice seamstress can be involved in this worthwhile project," explains the website. "The pillowcase pattern has been around since the pioneer days.  They are simple, come in all sizes, materials and colors.  This idea was an instant hit and the word spread quickly around the country as people joined together in something so simple that would make such a huge difference in the life of a little girl."

At Ocean City High School every year, the two classes get together to promote good will, and this just seemed to fit right in. The dresses will be delivered to PortaPimont Haiti on March 23rd, will be distributed to Africa by Little Dresses for Africa, and will also be available locally for children affected by Hurricane Sandy.

Students are invited to the art room to participate and will be able to listen to African and Haitian music while doing so. While taking part in the charity efforts, students will also learn the basics of sewing, a skill to last a lifetime.

Dombrosky explains that while her class is learning art she is also teaching about charity and generosity.

“I'm really big on making sure the next generations demonstrate compassion for all living creations. I'm always trying to find a way they can connect with others throughout our world by performing random acts of kindness.”

Anyone who is interested in donating a pillowcase may bring it to the high school security office or send it with a student to school.