A 2010 Yorkville High School graduate is looking for money and supplies to bring handmade pillowcases to hospitalized children.

Valerie Stokes, the reigning National American Miss Illinois Teen, recently started Pillowcases for Pediatrics with the goal of visiting children in area hospitals and delivering handmade pillowcases to them. Stokes is a sophomore at Illinois State University, where she is majoring in Human Development and Family Resources and minoring in Business Administration.

"As a reigning Illinois queen I have been presented with numerous opportunities to volunteer in my community and home state, reach out to children and charities of my choice, and truly accomplish my heart-felt goal of making a difference in the lives of others," Stokes wrote in an e-mail.

There are a few ways area residents can help with her latest venture:

• Donate juvenile patterns, solid colors or fun prints in fabric that is 100 percent cotton, flannel, fleece, or other soft fabric.
• Gift cards/certificates to fabric shops
• Small cash donation
• Sew a standard size pillowcase (please include your name)

Any of these can be mailed to Stokes, who temporarily is living in Orland Park:

Valerie Stokes
10235 Hyacinth Dr.
Orland Park, IL 60462

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Stokes by email at missteenil@yahoo.com or by phone at 630-608-3362.