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     A Southeast-area businessman is recruiting volunteers to help make 500 pillows for hospice and cancer patients on National Comfort Day in September.

      John Purkey, owner of the Sewing Room, located on East Flamingo Road, is heading up local efforts to make small comfort pillows for patients of Nathan Adelson Hospice and Candlelighters of Southern Nevada from Friday through Sept. 17.

      "These easy-to-make pillows require little sewing skill. This occasion gives volunteers an opportunity to significantly contribute to those facing some of life's most challenging moments," Purkey said.

      In addition to the pillows, volunteers also will make hats for chemotherapy patients to wear after their hair has fallen out. The small pillows can provide comfort to patients and remind them someone cares, Purkey added.

      "When they do chemotherapy, the pillow is something for them to hold on to while they're going through it," Purkey said.

      Eleyna Simon, the director of Candlelighters, said the pillows and caps will go to good use in welcome bags given to kids newly diagnosed with cancer.

      "We welcome all the donations from them," Simon said. "One of the biggest services we provide is comfort. We provide a welcome bag and one of the best things in the bag is the pillow and blanket, so a donation like this is extremely beneficial to us. (The pillows) help make them feel more at home."

      This will be the fourth year Purkey has hosted the pillow-making event.

      "Every year it's been getting bigger and bigger," Purkey said. "Last year we made about 250 pillows. We're hoping to do 500 this year and we might even do more."

      The public is invited to volunteer and the only requirement is a desire to help out, Purkey said.

      "We have a lot of people who participate," Purkey said. "In the past it has been a one-day event; this year will be three days. Anybody who shows up and wants to help with cutting fabric, sewing or stuffing the pillows, just show up and be willing to cut or sew however long you want."

      The Sewing Room has two locations, 33768 E. Flamingo Road and inside JoAnn's ETC at 2160 N. Rainbow Blvd.

      Those interested in volunteering for the event should call Purkey at 433-6055 to schedule a time to come in.