California State University Stanislaus students and faculty members gathered on campus Wednesday to help decorate pillowcases for veterans.

“We had numerous students throughout the day just stop by and decorate a pillow that will go to a veteran in a local care facility,” said Mami Trussell, Coordinator of the Pillowcases for Veterans event and CSU Stanislaus Enrollment Services employee. “We would also really like for the community to get involved in this effort.”

Trussell said that CSU Stanislaus students decorated approximately 60 pillowcases while they were in the quad from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday. All the materials were provided by the Troops to College Committee as well as the American Red Cross. Community donations were also accepted prior to the event.

Both the American Red Cross and the Troops to College Committee will join with students from the campus to deliver the decorated pillowcases to local veterans in hospitals and care facilities within Turlock and the surrounding community.

“Decorating the pillowcases is a great way for students and other community members to show veterans who are in nearby hospitals and local care facilities that we appreciate them,” said Trussell. “It’s a fun and creative way to say ‘thank you’ and show that we care.”

The CSU Stanislaus Troops to College Committee partnered with the American Red Cross for Wednesday’s “National Salute to Veteran Patients.” The American Red Cross was also present at the event, giving away prizes to students who participated in decorating pillowcases.

The Veterans Affairs Office at CSU Stanislaus also assisted in the event, as well as the VA Club, which includes numerous students at CSU Stanislaus who previously served in the U.S. military.