‘Smiley Cases’ donated for pediatric patients

Pediatric patients at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese get a souvenir to take home—a pillowcase.

But not just any pillowcase. These are “Smiley Cases” made by Doneise Strom of Troy and donated to the St. Joseph-Breese Auxiliary who in turn make them available to pediatric and mentally challenged patients on the hospital’s acute care unit, 1South.

Strom recently dropped off 40 completed pillowcases in a myriad of bright colors—pinks and purples, blues and greens, bright yellows and reds, among others—in an unimaginable range of patterns—flying pigs and jumping frogs, stripes and plaids, rainbows and stars, just to name a few.

Judy Schrage, hospital Director of Volunteers, said Strom makes the Smiley Cases in honor of her son who was permanently handicapped following a motorcycle accident. Her son is with her while she sews and irons the coverings then goes with her when she delivers them to the hospital.

“We’re very grateful that Doneise has picked St. Joseph’s in Breese to receive the Smiley Cases,” Schrage said. “Our pediatric patients just light up when they get one and really smile when they get to take it home.”