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Mrs. Turner from Pickford, MI is requesting art supplies through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

See what Mrs. Turner is requesting

Stitching Smiles: Comfort Buddies for Foster Children

Help me give my students crochet and sewing materials and supplies to create stuffed animals for foster kids.

FULLY FUNDED! Mrs. Turner's classroom raised $475

This project is fully funded

My Project

Every year, children entering foster care arrive carrying little more than a cardboard box and a sense of fear.

My 6th graders will learn compassion by creating handmade stuffed animals, “Comfort Buddies” and delivering them to local foster-care agencies.

To help students see the world through another’s eyes, we’ll begin with stories and role-plays. A foster-care advocate will share real-life experiences of children feeling lonely and uncertain in new homes. Students will read memoir excerpts and practice active listening in empathy role-plays, debriefing how it feels to be in someone else’s situation.

Next, students will alleviate suffering by learning basic crochet and sewing stitches. Over several workshops, they will craft, stuff, and decorate personalized Comfort Buddies, embedding each toy with a handwritten note: “You’re not alone.” During “Sew-a-Smile Day,” classmates will work together in assembly-line stations, turning individual efforts into a powerful collective gift.

We will measure success with three tools. First, an anonymous pre/post empathy survey will assess students’ ability to imagine a foster child’s emotions on a five-point scale. Second, weekly reflection journals scored with a rubric will track shifts from surface observations (“I sewed a bunny”) to deep perspective-taking (“I realized my toy could bring comfort when someone feels scared”). Third, we will record the number of toys delivered and collect agency feedback and thank-you notes to gauge the real-world impact of students’ compassion.

By weaving empathy into every stitch, “Stitching Smiles” ensures students not only create tangible comfort but also grow in their capacity for genuine compassion.

Mrs. Turner Pickford School Grades 6-8

Equity Focus

This project directly supports students at a historically underfunded school. Learn more about our Equity Focus.

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Pickford, MI View local requests

More than half of students from low‑income households Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more

37 students impacted 5donors

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TEACHERS, FEELING INSPIRED?

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Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes
Materials Cost Quantity Total
Starter Sewing Kit • Nasco $4.40 40 $176.00
50 Fat Quarter Toys: Easy toy sewing patterns from your fabric stash • Amazon Business $20.68 2 $41.36
Sooez 24pcs Super Large Mesh Zipper Pouch Bags, B4 Pencil Pouch Bulk with Label Pocket, Waterproof Organizers for Board Game Storage, File Bags for School, Travel & Office, 15.62x11.2”, 12 Colors • Amazon Business $18.98 2 $37.96
Animal 2 8pcs Precut Fat Quarters Cotton Fabric Bundles - Animal Theme - DIY Crafting Series - 100% Cotton - Eco-Friendly - 18x22 Inches Each • Amazon Business $11.99 3 $35.97
Inscraft 48 PCS Crochet Yarn Kit, 1400 Yards 40 Colors Acrylic Yarn Skeins, 2 Crochet Hooks, 2 Weaving Needles, 4 Stitch Markers, 1 Bag, for Crocheting & Knitting, Gift for Beginners and Adults • Amazon Business $27.98 1 $27.98
LitoTree 8pcs Precut Fat Quarters Cotton Fabric Bundles - Animal Theme Fabric - DIY Crafting Series - 100% Cotton - Eco-Friendly – 8pcs Printed Fabric - 18x22 Inches Each (Flower Blue 1) • Amazon Business $11.99 2 $23.98
14 Sizes Ergonomic Crochet Hooks Set Soft Grip,Crochet Needles,Rubber Handle Aluminum Crochet Hooks for Arthritic Hands B/2.0mm - N/10.0mm & Yarn Needles More Accessories • Amazon Business $14.98 1 $14.98
Crochet Cute Critters: 26 Easy Amigurumi Patterns • Amazon Business $9.39 1 $9.39

Materials cost

$367.62

Vendor shipping charges

 FREE

Sales tax

 $0.00

3rd party payment processing fee

$5.51

Fulfillment labor & materials

$30.00

Total project cost

$403.13

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$71.14

Total project goal

$474.27

How we calculate what's needed

Total project goal

 $474.27

4 Donors

-$233.16

Donations toward project cost

-$204.94

Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

-$28.22

match offer

-$233.16

Match offer toward project cost

-$198.19

Match offer to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

-$34.97

Excluded support for DonorsChoose

-$7.95

Still needed View calculationHide calculation

 $0.00

Our team works hard to negotiate the best pricing and selections available.

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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Turner and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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