Spreading Sunshine One Pillowcase at a Time

When you are sick and need to be far from home for your medical care, comfort takes on a whole new meaning. And when you have something special that is made just for you, a sense of home is felt and warmth and reassurance are found.

Mary Albaugh, the founder of Amazing Grace Pillowcase, believes that everyone has a talent that is meant to be shared. Together, with more than 30 other dedicated members and help from around the country, she puts her belief into action by sewing pillowcases for those supported by nonprofit organizations like Ronald McDonald House.

Once a month the group comes together for a sew-in, making 60-75 pillowcases in a single day. For 13 years, since the organization’s inception, the group has been delivering pillowcases to RMHC Pittsburgh and Morgantown. Every pillowcase they make is stitched with care and created from bright fabrics covered in playful patterns, including superheroes, animals and favorite characters– anything and everything a child would enjoy. Throughout the year, special holiday-themed pillowcases are also made and delivered, adding a touch of celebration for those who can’t be home. The group’s mission is to give families something personal and fun, something that belongs to them.

“Everything they do at Ronald McDonald House is about providing comfort to families in difficult situations, and we want to be a part of that,” said Mary.

When starting the organization, Mary reached out to fabric manufacturers, requesting fabric donations to bring the project to life. These companies still generously give today. The group also holds fundraisers to purchase fabric. In addition to making pillowcases for children staying at Ronald McDonald House, the organization also donates them to nonprofits like Veteran’s programs and Women’s Shelters.

Families find comfort in many ways at Ronald McDonald House. And in the stitching of each pillowcase, there is joy and warmth and the reminder of knowing that someone is thinking about them on this journey. This group spreads sunshine, one pillowcase at a time.

Pet Therapy Comes to Morgantown

Emma likes to joke that her dog, Zia, is so popular at Ronald McDonald House Morgantown that she’s practically a celebrity and Emma is just her agent. Anyone who has seen Zia walking into the House, tail wagging, knows the joke isn’t far from the truth.

For more than six months, Emma and Zia have been visiting families at Ronald McDonald House Morgantown regularly, offering comfort, connection, and a welcome pause along difficult medical journeys. For Emma, volunteering at the House is deeply personal. Growing up, her own family stayed at three different Ronald McDonald Houses while she and her sister received medical care. Returning now as a volunteer feels like coming full circle.

When families gather in the living room and settle onto the couches around Zia, something special happens. Conversations begin more easily and smiles appear.

“I have never seen families open up more to each other than when Zia brings them together,” said Jillian, Morgantown Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator.

Jillian remembers one evening in particular when Emma and Zia stayed longer than usual. Two moms, both spending time with Zia, started talking and soon realized their children shared the same medical condition. What began as casual conversation turned into something more. They exchanged stories, insights, and information about future treatments. That support might not have happened without that shared moment on the couch.

Emma is a college student, so sometimes her class schedule keeps her from bringing Zia to the House. Fortunately, Emma’s Mom, Dom, steps in to make sure families don’t miss out. It’s a family effort rooted in gratitude and a desire to help others.

For Emma, watching Zia’s effect on families has been incredibly meaningful. “It’s been rewarding to see her impact, providing distractions and smiles for so many,” she said.

Zia offers a quiet reminder that comfort can come in many forms. Sometimes it’s four paws, a wagging tail, and a wet nose–bringing people together exactly when they need it most.

Warming Hearts with the Comfort of a Meal

Nothing says home like the warmth and smell of a delicious homecooked meal. With the support of individuals, groups and organizations like the National Charity League – Pittsburgh Linxx Chapter, families staying at the Pittsburgh and Morgantown Houses are able enjoy this comfort of home even when they can’t be.

It’s only April and the members of the Pittsburgh Linxx Chapter, a mother/daughter organization supporting different nonprofits as a way to serve others and inspire their daughters to be leaders in the community, have already prepared seven meals at the Charity this year. Volunteering at the Charity for nearly two years, each visit for this group has been a special experience.

“We love coming to the Ronald McDonald House. Everyone enjoys the camaraderie of working together to prepare the meal as well getting to know those who we are helping,” said Denise, Philanthropy Liaison for the organization.

In 2024, over 730 meals were served to RMHC Pittsburgh and Morgantown families with each one providing an invaluable comfort during busy days filled with doctor’s appointments, tests and/or procedures. Having a warm meal available gives families more time to spend at their child’s bedside and eases the worry of what they will eat that day.

“Families share with us how much they appreciate what we do, and we are grateful to be able to make such a positive impact in this way,” added Denise.

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