Apex photographer Kim Crenshaw is on a mission, a mission to provide family photographs on pillow cases to active military personnel defending our country.

Any military family can bring their own 100 percent white cotton pillow case to The Streets at Southpoint Center Court on Sunday, February 7 from noon to 6 p.m. Crenshaw will take their photograph for free. Crenshaw, Tom McFadden of Perfect Promotions and The Streets at Southpoint will make complimentary arrangements for the family photo to be screen printed on their own pillow case and returned to the family for shipping to their loved ones.

Crenshaw, owns Kim Crenshaw Photography in Apex, became involved in the project after a close friend was deployed to Iraq.

“When a very dear friend of ours, Ellis, was deployed to Iraq I wanted to send him a care package from home,” said Crenshaw. “I filled it with lots of snacks, candy, soaps, etc., but I also wanted to include some photos of his wife and son. I had them come to my studio and during our photo session I had Sarah and Braxton lay down on a bed with blanket and pillow as they pretended to sleep. I then had that image screen printed onto a pillowcase and included it in the care package.”

Crenshaw had no idea the type of impact that pillowcase had on a homesick soldier serving in Iraq.

“I should have realized that a lonely soldier far from home would love to lay their head next to their dear family,” said Crenshaw. “Even if it was just images of them, it would bring them together each night in thoughts and in dreams.”

Crenshaw later received a letter from her friend describing just how important that pillowcase and other family photos taken by Crenshaw have become to him.

“You have found something that has extended your presence beyond the physical,” wrote Ellis. “In each photograph that I have received not only do I see my wife and my son, I see your goodness which, luckily, is my fortune. This place would be 10 times worse than it is, if I didn’t have the security of knowing that someone back home was thinking and praying for me.

“Every time I think that the day is unbearable and I just can’t take anymore, I lay my head on my pillow, where my family is waiting for me. Thank you so much for bringing my family to me, one night at a time. Your gift is a miracle and your friendship is a God-send and I am thankful for both. The heartfelt letter brought Crenshaw to tears.

“First I cried as I read and re-read the letter, then I decided that all of our soldiers deserve to have their families with them every time they lay down in their bunks,” said Crenshaw. “So I am here, partnered with The Streets at Southpoint to do just that.”

“We are excited to be able to partner with Kim Crenshaw and Tom McFadden to help make this happen,” said The Streets at Southpoint Senior General Manager Patrick Anderson “This event is a commendable way to support our military and we’re fortunate to be able to help them do this for our community.”