Joanie ‘Sparky’ Merriman has been a crafty gal most of her life.

Crafty, in a good way, as she bakes and delivers her Friendship Bread every month to Mineral Community Hospital employees and other facilities that are on the front lines of helping people.

She has donated her framed jig-saw puzzles to many organizations that are seen around Superior. She has made fleece blankets and given them to children with cancer. And she has even published a book on recipes for making horse-treats as she and her husband, Bill ‘Glo-Plug’ raised thoroughbreds for years.

Her health issues have not put a damper on her generosity as even after her last back surgery, with a brace around her neck, Bill has set up a table so she can continue her philanthropy.

Merriman and an anonymous partner have recently taken their generosity to Spokane as they are making ‘plush pillows that they donate to the children who are patients at the Shriners Hospital for Children.

Bill is a Shriner and at 92 years old, he is the oldest Worshipper Master Mason in the state of Montana. This is a new project for Joanie, but the administration of the Shriners Hospital for Children has already assured this duo that the kids are thrilled and their generosity in giving these free of charge is making a difference for the kids.

“I approached my silent partner who agreed to pay for half of the kits and half of the shipping, but I make all of them,” Joanie said. “And I came up with the name, Pillow Posse, so that’s what we call ourselves.”

The pillow-kits are purchased from Michaels in Missoula and range from $15-$18 apiece. The price depends on the amount of material which varies on the patterns of a wolf, cat, dog, horse and new ones she has yet to discover.

Each kit comes with ‘little pieces of material’ and depending on how many each pattern has, determines the time involved but from 2 to 4 hours is what Merriman said.

“You sort out all of the different colors, and then all of the different shapes. And then you start making the pillow.”

Shipping for the first batch came to $64.30 and all costs are covered entirely by the Pillow Possie.

“I include a card with each pillow saying that if the family has any other children that would like a pillow, email me and I’ll make enough for everyone,” she said.

The first 24 pillows (she makes two dozen at a time) were mailed the middle of March were quarantined for 14 days before being given to the kids.

“This is what keeps my sanity. To do things for other people. And I enjoy it. I really enjoy it!” Sparky said with a big smile.