In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the Southeast Louisiana Chapter of the American Red Cross began an effort to educate youth residing in temporary housing communities about emergency preparedness through a fun, artistic activity: decorating pillowcases to hold emergency supplies kits. Chapter Executive, Kay Wilkins, was originally inspired to use pillowcases after hearing about local college students who carried their belongings inside pillowcases when they evacuated during the storm in 2005. Soon after, what began as a simple project to teach kids about preparedness using art therapy for one chapter, quickly evolved into a preparedness education program that was expanded throughout all of Louisiana.
