EXCLUSIVE: Antioch students sewing quilts, making care bags for kids facing challenges

By Yosi Yahoudai
Founder and Managing Partner

ANTIOCH, Calif. (KGO) — Test scores are on the rise at Bidwell Continuation High School in Antioch and they just received an award for best attendance in the district.

Now an all-new partnership at the school has students making homemade quilts and other items that will go to kids in Bay Area hospitals and children in other challenging situations.

Kids sewing? At school in 2024? You better believe it.

Nicole Vicknair, or Miss V, has her class at Bidwell making what are called Snug As A Bug Bags.

A homemade rag quilt is the premiere item inside.

“The most challenging part is sewing the squares together for the rows,” said Liza McClure as she finished up on the sewing machine.

Oakland’s UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital is helping kids recover by combining service dogs and music therapy as part of its treatment program.

Allison Norris has partnered with the GFWC Women’s Club of Antioch and has already made and given out more than 700 comfort bags which include books, small artwork, and tiny toys.

Now, through this new partnership, 11th and 12th graders in Vicknair’s leadership class are helping her.

“We’re painting ladybugs for kids,” said Malia Mixon.

“I’m packaging these bracelets that we’re making for Snug as a Bug,” said Keiara Christian.

“Today I was helping create the website for Snug As A Bug,” said Isabella Ippolito.

“The fact that we are giving these to children in need, who need comfort, who need hope, many of our students have been in positions to empathize with that,” said Vicknair.

“I’m just really grateful I get to be a part of this and get to do this for other people because there are not a lot of opportunities that come to you like this,” said Christian.

“Honestly it is because as my mother who recently passed away, I really enjoyed helping others and so doing this really motivates me to be able to do more stuff like this and so I’m just happy doing this,” said Diego Hernandez.

More than 280 Hillview Crest Elementary students in Hayward got new pairs of shoes from FedEx Care and nonprofit Operation Warm.

This program hits close to home for ABC7 News Reporter J.R. Stone. His Godson Jordan, who is a kidney transplant survivor, was previously gifted a Snug As A Bug bag with a homemade quilt in it.

Allison gave him the bag after one of his hospital visits.

“Wow! There’s Avengers, video games, Sonic! Thank you Allison for the quilt,” said Jordan in a previously recorded video message to Norris.

During his next surgery, he brought his quilt with him to the children’s hospital.

“I think the greatest reward that will come from this is the smile and hope on the child’s face when they receive the bag,” said Vicknair. “I don’t know how often our students will get to see that piece of it, but we know that that is happening.”

“I know that the students have had some challenges in their life and for me, and I believe for other people, you overcome your challenges by service, acts of service, and love,” said Norris.

Nicole Vicknair sent ABC7 News an email mapping out what is in each comfort bag and donations that they are still in need of.

Rag quilt (Teen/adult 56×40, Youth 48×40)Comfort stone or fidgetStuffed animalMotivational or uplifting bookColoring book and crayons/colored pencilsCare items (such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, Chapstick, lotion, hair brush, deodorant, make up items, facial cleansing wipes, etc. It really depends on what gets donated)Handmade card with a handwritten inspiring message or picture. These are tailored to young children or older teens.Two friendship bracelets (one to keep, one to gift)A journal

Sewing Machine: Baby Lock Jubilant Sewing MachineBooks: Motivational or inspiring books for young children and teensCare ItemsStuffed animals: Small to medium sizedFidgets: Anything to keep hands busy and relieve anxietyColoring book and crayons/colored pencilsFlannel fabric: Any design or colorRiver rocks for paintingEmbroidery threadSharpie Creative Markers setsSmall plastic bags for packaging

You can also send cash donations to the Leadership Program at Bidwell Continuation High School, 800 Gary Avenue, Antioch, Ca 94509.

If you’re on the ABC7 News app, click here to watch live

About the Author

Yosi Yahoudai is a founder and the managing partner of J&Y. His practice is comprised primarily of cases involving automobile and motorcycle accidents, but he also represents people in premises liability lawsuits, including suits alleging dangerous conditions of public property, third-party criminal conduct, and intentional torts. He also has expertise in cases involving product defects, dog bites, elder abuse, and sexual assault. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of California and is admitted to practice in all California State Courts, and the United States District Court for the Southern District of California. If you have any questions about this article, you can contact Yosi by clicking here.

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