Horseshoes for Hope  began as a Girl Scout Bronze Award project by Elizabeth Joines, an 8 year old Junior Girl Scout from Red Oak, Texas. But, Elizabeth decided not to quit once she earned the award.  Instead, she has continued her efforts to fill a need in the community and to show others the impact of community service.

Elizabeth's baby sister was born with Down Syndrome and several other medical problems.  She spent the first month of her life at the hospital.  Elizabeth became very interested in children with special needs.

Elizabeth  started thinking about what she could do to help others.  She decided to work on a community service project that involved babies. 

Elizabeth kept remembering about a special pillow her sister used while in the hospital.  The pillow belonged to the hospital, so Catherine had to leave it there when she went home.  But, Catherine had become accustomed to snuggling in the pillow and found it difficult to sleep without it. 

Elizabeth thought it would be great if babies in hospitals didn't have to leave their pillows at the hospital. She practiced cutting fabric and learned to use her mother's sewing machine.  She drafted letters to local stores asking them to donate money, gift cards, or supplies.  She made arrangements for places such as Children's Medical Center to hand out the pillows.

Of course, Elizabeth talked about the project.  The more she explained about the project, the more people became interested.  Offers starting coming in to donate both time and supplies. 

Elizabeth continued to sew pillows and began to arrange "workshop days" where others could join in the process.

And, that's where we are today.