FAIRMONT — Don’t rest your head on the pillow just yet. Caregiver Response Effort and Service Team (CREST) in Fairmont invites all to bring their pillows to the Carlson Pillow Cleaning Service from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. today, Thursday, April 30, at the Fairmont Evangelical Covenant Church.

“We’re excited for it,” said CREST Executive Director Rob Stauter.

Stauter explained that CREST has offered the service to the community for around 10 years, taking on the event after an area church asked if CREST would continue it in its place. Fairmont Evangelical Covenant Church agreed to facilitate the fundraiser. Since then, the event has reportedly brought in generous support for CREST and more comfort and healthy sleeping for its customers.

“Last year, we got a good bump in participants who brought their pillows,” Stauter shared, recounting the event’s recurring success.

During the event, customers will sign in and pillows will be taken, fluffed, cleaned, deodorized, sanitized and will receive new ticking by CREST volunteers and the Carlson Pillow Cleaning company from Willmar. As their pillows are being pampered, customers may wait or leave and retrieve them later.

“It’s good service to the community, and you know, people like to freshen up their pillows after the long winter, and that’s why we bring them [this opportunity],” Stauter explained.

In addition, event proceeds will support CREST’s mission to serve Martin County seniors.

“The benefits, you know, people get their pillows cleaned and freshened. It’s looked upon as a community service, and it enables people to be aware of CREST. It’s a fundraiser for CREST and it’s also a community service,” Stauter said. “The simultaneous work of getting your pillows clean and then supporting CREST is huge.”

The cost is $15.95 for standard-size pillows, $17.95 for queen-size pillows and $18.95 for king-size pillows. Feather add-ons include an additional fee. New, custom pillows and down comforters will be available for purchase.

There are no guidelines to participate in the pillow cleaning service. The event is expected to return in the fall. For additional information about CREST, Carlson Pillow Cleaning, and both organizations’ forthcoming offerings, visit www.carlsonpillow.com, www.crestvolunteers.org, the Facebook page “CREST-Enhancing Quality of Life,” or contact CREST at (507) 235-3833.

“The more that come out, the better. It helps keep our program going. We’re trying to get people behind us. We did lose some funding, and we’re trying to recoup that. We’re here to serve the community for those 60 years of age or older, and [CREST] encourages everyone to come out and bring their pillows,” Stauter said.