My name is Amy Chappel. I am a 22-year-old college graduate, living in the Greater Boston Area. I have been volunteering for a women's shelter in Boston called Rosie's Place ever since I was in middle school, and I can truly say it has made me a better and a happier person.


Founded by the late Kip Tiernan, whom I had the pleasure of knowing, Rosie's Place serves as a sanctuary for poor and homeless women.

Rosie's Place has changed me because the guests we serve have helped me appreciate what is truly important in life. I have seen smiles, laughter, and happiness exuding from these women many of whom have no place to call home and very little money to afford food and clothing to keep themselves and their children warm. Despite their problems, they walk into the dining room with a smile and a "thank you." Rosie's Place affords them the ability, even for just a couple of hours, to enjoy themselves, eat a meal, and stay warm.

The catalyst for starting this Go Fund Me campaign was a heartbreaking encounter that I had while volunteering a few weekends ago. While I was helping with meal preparation for lunch service, a guest came up to me asking if we had any spare jackets for her to keep herself warm during the winter. Unfortunately, after taking a look at the donations we had, there were no jackets or even sweatshirts or sweatpants available to offer her.

I would like to raise as much money as possible to buy a large amount of down jackets and sweats to donate to Rosie's Place, so the women and children are able to keep warm during the upcoming winter months.

It would mean the world to me to be able to give back to this amazing shelter as well as the women, who have taught me that even in the hardest of times, no one can take away your ability to be kind and happy. I would also like to make this donation in memory of Kip Tiernan, who put her heart and soul into this shelter and established the foundation for the amazing place it is today. 

No donation is too small. Truly, anything helps. I would be so grateful to anyone who would help me with this fundraiser, so that together we can keep the women of Boston warm.