Exeter GFWC Woman's Club makes Pillowcase Dresses

Unwanted pillowcases are getting new lives as children’s dresses, thanks to the efforts of GWFC Exeter Woman’s Club members Agnes Loukota, Bonnie Cudaback and Sue DeJonge.

DeJonge brought Orphan Grain Train, a Christian nonprofit organization, to her fellow club members’ attention after receiving a flyer in the mail. Recognizing Orphan Grain Train’s need for children’s clothing, the idea to construct children’s dresses from pillowcases came to fruition. The women have been creating the pillowcase frocks for about 6 months. To date, Loukota, Cudaback and DeJonge have contributed over 150 dresses to Orphan Grain Train.

Loukota and Cudaback sew the dresses using bias tape and gently used pillowcases – many purchased at garage sales. Upon completion, DeJonge takes the finished dresses to an Orphan Grain Train drop-off point. Orphan Grain Train, in turn, distributes the dresses to needy children. Orphan Grain Train has distributed the Exeter women’s dresses to needy children in Nicaragua and Haiti.

Orphan Grain Train was organized in April of 1992 by Rev. Ray Wilke and Mr. Clayton Andrews. According to the Orphan Grain Train Web site, a total of 123 shipments were shipped FY 2014-15: 74 to foreign countries and 49 to domestic locations. Orphan Grain Train collects and distributes many different items to the needy, including (but not limited to) school supplies, clothing and toiletries. For more information on Orphan Grain Train, visit their web site: www.ogt.org.