A number of soldiers serving in Afghanistan will soon have something new and soft to rest their heads on thanks to the efforts of a Turlock woman.

Jessica Austin, along with some help from her roommate Tameka Coleman, has embroidered 158 pillows with patriotic patterns that will be sent overseas to a group of soldiers.

The idea was born when the husband of Austin’s caretaker was deployed to Afghanistan and Austin wanted him to have some comfort from home. He has since returned from his service and that one embroidered pillow has grown into a mission for Austin to thank his fellow service members.

“He didn’t know that we were going to make one for everyone in his unit,” Austin said.

The project has taken nearly a year to complete and required Austin to recruit some others into her sewing circle, particularly that of her roommate. Now the task has been completed and thanks to a donation from the Turlock Fire Department’s Random Acts of Kindness program, the postage has been paid. In addition to the pillows, Austin got her church Lifegate Free Will Baptist to donate books, pencils and snacks for the soldiers.