My name is Donald Oakes. A year ago, my 22-year-old son took his own life. Prior to that, I had taught him woodworking skills. We had worked together doing fine cabinet work, building furniture, wood carving, and basic carpentry.

I opened a shop in his memory in Kennebunk, Maine. I offer classes for children, homeschool kids, and adults. My goal is to help children who can’t afford the $35 for two hours of basic woodworking instruction. Our classes run five days a week. We have a 9 o’clock to 11 o’clock session, and then we have an afternoon session for kids coming home at the end of the day from public schools.

The need for this has grown exponentially. I have been giving my time freely to kids who could not financially meet the fee, and we are on the edge of almost having to shut the shop down. All of these kids come from various backgrounds. We all have challenges and our own set of problems, but in the shop, we are all equal. Each one of the students that come in has shown unbelievable creativity. The social aspects of the classes have helped develop friendships, and not only the students but also the families are touched as well.

I’m looking to raise some money for the shop so I can continue to offer classes for the swelling number of students who want to participate.