Community Support with Respect & Dignity

Hi, my name is Denise. I have lived in the Lansing, Michigan area for more than 50 years. Last year, in early 2020, (near the same time we first became aware of covid) my son, Ryan, was informed his colon cancer had returned. There were many days we were not even allowed in the hospital to comfort him. Covid became my enemy.

I had to take back my power, even in some small way.  I started making masks for my family and friends. It very quickly grew to include masks for a small business,  my husband's co-workers, and the local Veteran's Clinic. 

I also felt the need to provide masks, at no charge, to a neighborhood in Lansing that did not have the means to afford purchasing their own. So, every two weeks I took my 200 masks,  and my little portable table to the neighborhood grocery store and provided free masks to anyone in need.  I had no idea what to expect and the urgency took me by surprise. I could not make masks fast enough.

I never imagined that almost two years later I would still be doing this. The need has not lessened in the least. And now that winter is here I have expanded the inventory to include socks, hats, mittens, pillows, and throw blankets. 

To minimize transmission of covid the items are new. Also, I strongly believe that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect regardless of their circumstance. It is hard to believe that not everyone has experienced something as simple as the comfort of a new pillow. Something most of us take for granted.

Up to this point I have funded the expense of all sewing supplies, and now pillows, blankets, etc. (for both children and adults). We are not rich. We are retired. We used our stimulus money for this endeavor, which is long gone even though I continue to use every means possible to stretch a dollar. The time has come to ask for help so that I can continue. 

My son Ryan lost his battle with cancer on June 29th of this year. He was my biggest cheerleader. No matter how hard it is to accept, life somehow continues. Some days the only reason to get out of bed is too sew the next mask, and the next, and the next.

As I meet these wonderful people we share our stories. This has kept me going during this incredibly difficult time. Everyone has their story, some so painful it is a wonder they have survived. As long as I have the resources I will do whatever I can to make their lives even a little bit better and let them know that many of us do care, and they have not been forgotten.

Hopefully soon, there will be no need for masks. But there will always be a need for even small things in life that help to reduce burdens and stress by providing much needed comfort. 

If you can help with funding I will continue to serve those less fortunate. Any amount will make a huge difference toward supplies and winter necessities.

Thank you so much for caring.