Crafty Jaguars, a student organization at Texas A&M University-San Antonio, hosted its first “Sewn With Love” event April 29, making heart-shaped pillows to donate to University Hospital for cancer patients.
The event provided materials like fabrics, sewing needles and thread as well as a few refreshments.
The materials were purchased from Michaels with funding provided by the Mays Center for Experiential Learning and Community Engagement.
“The little things you can do in your free time could help out someone else in a bigger way, even if it’s a hobby you’re not familiar with,” Nevaeh Mendoza, the president of Crafty Jaguars, said.
Mendoza taught students how to properly sew their pillows and gave tips on how to sew at home.
Networking played a huge role in allowing Crafty Jaguars to donate the pillows to University Hospital.
“Just mainly having conversations with nonprofits whenever their missions fit with one of TAMUSA’s organizations,” said Lori Day, the assistant director of Civic Engagement at the Mays Center.
Many events at A&M-San Antonio are often funded by the Mays Center. Sewn With Love is one of those events, allowing for the materials to be purchased for attendees to use.
While the event’s purpose centered on giving back, it also created a welcoming space for students to try something new.
Mariana Lozano, a computer science senior at A&M-San Antonio, said she was motivated by a chance to volunteer and a personal connection to crafting.
“I went to the event for the volunteer opportunity, and I have a friend who does crafts to give out to patients,” Lozano said.
About 10 students attended the event, many of them learning to sew for the first time. Despite their varying levels of experience, attendees worked together, learning as they went and supporting one another throughout the process. With printed instructions on hand and guidance from organizers, even first-time participants were able to complete their pillows. The room was filled with conversation, laughter and a shared sense of purpose.
Toward the end of the event, about three heart-shaped pillows had been completed, and will be delivered to University Hospital sometime next week.
For many students, the event offered more than just a chance to volunteer; it allowed them to directly impact the lives of others in a simple yet meaningful way. The heart-shaped pillows are intended to provide comfort to cancer patients, offering both physical support and a reminder that someone cares.
By the end of the event, what began as pieces of fabric had been transformed into heart-shaped pillows, stitched together by students who started as beginners but left knowing they had made a difference.
Students interested in similar events can find more opportunities through JagSync. For more information, students can contact event organizers at nmend031@jaguar.tamu.edu and lday1@tamusa.edu .
