“We collect new Pillow Pets to be donated to children in local area hospitals,” said the Ankeney Middle School seventh grader.
Pillow Pets are plush, folding stuffed animals that can be used as a pillow. Copeland also uses monetary donations to buy red wagons, which are used to pull children throughout hospital instead of being pushed in wheelchairs.
Copeland organized the first Pillow Pet and Red Wagon Drive in March 2011 after being inspired by the story of Jacob McConahay.
The 7-year-old Indiana boy had cancer and instead of focusing on his own suffering, focused on other young patients. He had received a Pillow Pet from a relative and realized how comforting it was.
His goal was to collect over 1,000 Pillow Pets for other sick kids but he collected several thousand, which were donated nationally with the help of people like Copeland.
She initially set out to share news of his wish and donate Pillow Pets in his honor to Dayton Children’s Medical Center, collecting 55 Pillow Pets and enough money for two wagons.
After Jacob passed away in August 2011, Copeland decided to make the Pillow Pet and Red Wagon Drive an annual event in Jacob’s memory.
“I have collected almost 150 pillow pets and $800 for red wagons the past two years,” said Copeland.
The kick-off for the 2013 Pillow Pet and Red Wagon Drive, which runs from May 11-26, will be from 1-4 p.m. May 11 at The Beavercreek Pizza Dive at 4021 Dayton-Xenia Road in Beavercreek, featuring food, face painting and a raffle.
“Our goal is to collect 200 Pillow Pets and $500 for red wagons,” said Copeland.
Drop-off locations are Beavercreek Pizza Dive, 4021 Dayton Xenia Road, Beavercreek; Cake, Hope & Love, 1490 N. Fairfield Road, Beavercreek; Funk Lab Dance Studio, 4041 Marshall Road, Kettering and Mad Hatter Balloons & Party Supplies, 56 Bellbrook Plaza, Bellbrook.
More drop-off locations are expected to be added and updates are available on Facebook at
Copeland hopes to one day serve as a missionary in Africa.
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