Last week during the 95th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis, FFA members from across the United States helped put together more than 1,200 travel book pillows to give to children who are going through a difficult time. Those book pillows were first created by an Indiana woman who saw a need to provide comfort to children who are going through a challenging time, like the loss of a family member or losing their family’s home to a fire.
“We go wherever there’s a need. Wherever we feel we can comfort a child, we’ll be there,” says Kathy Buck of Indianapolis who founded a non-profit organization called Book Pillows of Hope.
What do these book pillows look like?
“We make 14-inch pillows. We cover them in fabric – there’s a pocket on the front and a handle for the child to carry the pillow with – and then a book is inserted in the pockets, so it’s educational and comforting. We donate these to children in the community,” says Kathy.
She says Book Pillows of Hope first started as a gift idea for her family.
“Initially, I just made them for our six grandchildren for Easter two and a half years ago,” says Kathy. “I had just retired from teaching special education and I was looking for something to do to give back to the community. I fell in love with a particular fabric pattern when I saw it in the store because it promoted reading and yet brought comfort. I initially made 12 of them and took them to the Ronald McDonald House. Now we are making about 220 a month and donating them.”

After Kathy started her non-profit organization, it quickly picked up a lot of steam on social media. That’s when the National FFA Organization stepped in to not only help promote Kathy’s non-profit – but to help her make more than 1,200 travel book pillows during the National FFA Convention as part of their year-long service project.
“When we were contacted by National FFA, I actually had no idea what we would be getting into,” says Kathy. “This has been most incredible experience for all of us!”
She says she’s still looking to grow Book Pillows of Hope to provide comfort to as many children as possible.
“If anybody ever has a need – or if they know of a child or a family that has a tragedy – if they let us know, we will get book pillows to them,” Kathy says. “We do take donations of fabric or any children’s books as long as they are new books.”
Click HERE for more information about Book Pillows of Hope.
Click BELOW to hear C.J. Miller’s news report and interview with Kathy Buck, founder of Book Pillows of Hope, during the 95th National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis.
