Show 58: Excerpt - Pillows for Kids Foundation Helping Kids in the Mat-Su

Marilyn Parker and Valerie Kouvenin, retired high school teachers who are making a difference for kids in the Mat-Su area

FOR THIS NEW 'Power of One' profile, our producer Sarah Gonzales was browsing at a recent holiday bazaar where she met two women selling pillows. Once she learned their story we knew we had to tell you about the Pillows for Kids Foundation. Started by Valerie Kouvinen and Marilyn Parker, two retired school teachers, who know that after-school activities help children do better in the classroom, while also helping them to feel engaged with their community. But not all families can afford them - so they got to work.

Visit the Pillows for Kids Facebook page to connect with the foundation, or to learn about becoming a mentor 

The two longtime friends sew and sell pillows to fund "mini-scholarships" that allow kids to participate in these after-school "brain-training" activities like skating, bowling, swimming and horsemanship with mentors like Debra Moore, owner of EZ Walking Stables in Palmer. 

Producer Sarah Gonzales spoke with the two women in Wasilla.