Community comes together for young readers at Paul Smith School

FRANKLIN — For the past month, something special has been humming through the halls of Paul Smith School — the steady whir of a sewing machine and the excited chatter of students learning a new skill.

All 280 students in kindergarten through fourth grade have been learning to sew as part of a school-wide project led by Library Media Specialist Kara Cole. The effort, centered in the school’s Library Makerspace, gave every student the opportunity to create their very own pillowcase.

The fabric for the project was generously donated by Friends of Forgotten Children in Concord, providing a colorful and meaningful foundation for the students’ creations. With guidance from Cole and support from classroom teachers, each child hand stitched their way to a finished pillowcase.

The inspiration behind the project was both practical and heartfelt.

“Not all students in our district have stable housing or a consistent bed of their own,” Cole explained. “I wanted to create something that every child could take pride in — something personal, comforting, and truly theirs.”

The timing of the project aligns perfectly with the school’s celebration of “I Love to Read Month.” On Thursday, Feb. 19, the entire student body gathered in the cafeteria from 1 to 2 p.m. to kick off a school-wide “Drop Everything and Read” event. But this year’s celebration came with an added surprise.

Thanks to the generosity of Trinity Episcopal Church in Meredith, every student received a brand-new, soft pillow to pair with the pillowcase they sewed themselves. The church donated all 280 pillows, ensuring that each child will leave with a complete set — a handmade pillowcase and a brand-new pillow to fill it.

The result is more than just a reading event. It’s a powerful example of community partnership and support for local schools.

Students have embraced the experience with enthusiasm, gaining confidence as they mastered basic sewing skills and saw their projects come to life. Teachers noted the pride students felt as they completed their pillowcases — some carefully choosing fabric patterns, others excitedly helping classmates troubleshoot stitches.

From donated fabric to donated pillows, the project represents a collective investment in Franklin’s youngest learners. And as students “drop everything and read,” they’ll do so resting on something made with their own hands — and supported by the kindness of their wider community.