The "Great Stuffing Day" at Eagle's Trace Benefits Local Children

June 19, 2014

HOUSTON, TX---Armed with rolls of white thread, sewing needles and dozens of bags filled with poly fiber, thirty-two residents (and one grandson) of Eagle's Trace retirement community put the loving final touches on a special project.
The group stuffed ninety-two (92) turtle-themed comfort pillows that are bound for young patients at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston, all part of "The Great Stuffing Day" held on June 16th.
The event was coordinated by the resident-led Community Outreach Committee of the Erickson Living retirement community in West Houston.
Nancy Bell, a resident of Eagle's Trace, spearheaded the project.  She got the idea from the internet and knew she had the talent to move forward.
"We created kits that included the pattern for the turtle and distributed them to residents to sew in their apartment homes in May," described Ms. Bell.  "Phase two was what we called the 'Great Stuffing Party,' a fun afternoon of camaraderie in which we stuffed all the pillows in an hour."
The completed pillows will be sent to Texas Children's Hospital with a box of crayons.  That way, "the children can color and decorate one of the sides of the pillow and even receive an autograph from their doctor or nurse," noted Ms. Bell.
It was no surprise to Ms. Bell that the project generated great enthusiasm at Eagle's Trace.  She estimates that eighty residents participated in some phase of the endeavor.
"Nothing can be more heartbreaking than an extended stay in the hospital for a child.  Most of us have been witness to it.  So something as small as a huggable 'comfort turtle pillow' can make a positive difference in that ill or injured child's experience during that time," she said.

About Eagle's Trace:  Eagle's Trace is one of eighteen continuing care retirement communities managed by Erickson Living.  Located in Houston, Texas, the scenic 70-acre campus is home to more than 650 residents.  Eagle's Trace is the ideal greater Houston retirement destination offering a true sense of community, convenience beyond compare and a sensible financial structure.

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