Thank you so much to everyone who donated ! We raised enough money to purchase a stair chair for Donna and she is beyond grateful. A note from Donna:

I can’t thank you all enough for all the generosity! It reminds me that we are still people who care about each other! Because of all of you, my crazy, difficult life was made so much easier! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Donna

Back in 2001, my friend AJ purchased the Royal King Dry Cleaners, and that is where I met one of his employees, Donna Murray. She was a familiar face at the Dry Cleaners, having worked there for 20 years. We all became fast friends with Donna. She is fun, authentic, and young at heart. The cleaners became a hangout, and we all grew closer. I tried getting my Mom a job there, but AJ was afraid he would never be able to fire her if he had to. I persuaded Donna, who was the manager at the time, to give her a chance. She hired her and never had to fire her. Donna became close with our Moms and they are all friends to this day. In 2021, Donna purchased the Dry Cleaners from AJ, something she never imagined possible. Despite the setbacks of COVID, Donna continued to work hard to keep the business growing.

In 2023, Donna fell off a ladder at the cleaners while working on a machine. She is tiny but mighty; however, the fall caused devastating injuries. She fractured her leg, which was actually a blessing in disguise. During her treatment, they discovered Cancer. She required numerous surgeries, which would leave her disabled and in constant pain. I am always impressed by her positivity despite the challenges she faces. Donna was unable to continue operating the cleaners and, sadly, was forced to sell. The sale of the business has created a financial hardship for her, as it was her main source of income. Donna was reluctant to let me do this, but I feel she deserves a little help. I watch her struggle with everyday activities, without complaint. I hope to raise money to make her second-floor condo handicap accessible. I plan to make her life a little easier by installing a stair chair and renovating her space and bathroom to accommodate her. She has managed thus far with help from family, friends, and neighbors, but I hope to make her situation safer and allow her to maintain her independence. Many of us won’t ask for help when it’s most needed, so I am asking on her behalf. Donna has been a valued member of the New Paltz community for a long time, and I hope we can show her some support as she faces many hurdles ahead. Please donate what you can; any amount is deeply appreciated. Thank you for your consideration! Matt Aube