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Operation
Pioneer Spirit Pillow Project Operation Pioneer Spirit was founded here in Ponca City because one soldier, Sgt. Megan Potter, wrote home that the female soldiers were in dire need of toiletries, snacks, and recreational supplies. In August of 2006, the first shipment of 19 boxes was sent to Mosul, Iraq. What started out as a small project soon grew into one that the entire community has supported! To date over 2400+ boxes have been sent to our Oklahoma male and female soldiers stationed in Iraq, Kuwait, and Afghanistan. Operation
Pioneer Spirit has taken on another project called “Operation Pillow
Project.” One of the volunteers conceived Operation Pioneer Spirit
Pillow Project when she discovered that the soldiers used articles of
clothing for pillows when they are traveling in convoys across Iraq,
Kuwait and Afghanistan. Often times these missions last for several hours or days and there are times when the soldiers end up sleeping by the side of the road or in their trucks and they have no pillows to rest their heads upon. At times they have even had to use each other as a pillow. This volunteer, as well as others, thought that perhaps they could sew some pillows and send them along with the other items that are being sent in the Operation Pioneer Spirit boxes. If
we can add to their comfort, these pillows that have been sent will not
only give them a place to rest their weary head, but also serve as a
reminder that the folks back home really do care about them…. even
when they are sleeping. The winters are bitter cold and the summer
temperatures often reach over 135 degrees. This is a great way
volunteers can make a difference in the lives of our Oklahoma soldiers
fighting overseas. To date, volunteers have made approximately 1000+ pillows. Anyone who can sew can help add to the comfort of our soldiers. These pillows are approximately the size of an airline pillow. All you need is patriotic prints (not mandatory, though), which costs about $2.00 a yard, and 2 yards will make about 9 pillows. Wal-Mart has patriotic material, which is perfect for this project. The cut size is 11 ¾ inches by 14 ¾ inches and the polyester fiberfill works perfectly as filler for the pillows. If you sew or you know someone who does, please feel free to help the soldiers by making pillows for them. Surely, our heroes can lay their heads on some Oklahoma comfort. These patriotic pillows can be dropped off at the Pioneer Woman Museum, 701 Monument Road, Ponca City. The hours are Tuesday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sundays, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Other items are still being shipped on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at the Pioneer Woman Museum and donations are always needed. Such items as toothpaste, toothbrushes, dental floss, shower and bath soap, feminine hygiene products, saline solution for the eyes, handi-wipes, recreational items like crossword puzzles, etc. and wrapped snacks and hard candy are always needed. Plus, if you would rather give a monetary donation instead of making a pillow or purchasing much-needed supplies, money is always needed to defray the costs of mailing the boxes. Checks can be made out to Operation Pioneer Spirit and taken or mailed to the Pioneer Woman Museum.
Pioneer Woman Museum Phone Number: 1-580-765-6108
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Operation
Pillow Project Needs Your Help
