Happy 2021! 2020 taught us a lot about reinventing how we can still help people who are homeless and in need. We were up for the challenge and working harder than ever.
Over the past few months, Kate and I have been working with Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries to coordinate virtual programs. The women there especially loved the crafting programs like the Christmas tree canvas painting class. It was a relaxing break from the COVID and holiday related stress. There was Christmas music playing and everyone was so creative! We are looking forward to bringing in more educational programs to the shelter like fitness and finance programs in the new year! If you are interested in teaching a VIRTUAL program (or know someone who you think could teach…again this is done from the comfort of your home or place of business), please email us at info@mkblanketwraps.org.
Calling all MSU alumni! Kate and I have recently worked with Michigan State University Alumni Network to create a Q1 Service Project. For the rest of January and February, we are asking alumni to sew Blessing Bags to be donated to homeless shelters. But, do not worry if you don’t have a sewing machine…you can still help! If you have unused soap, deodorant,
toothbrushes/toothpaste, chapstick, wet wipes, or other necessary items, you can drop them off at the MEC on 811 W Square Lake Rd, Troy, MI on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8am to 4pm. All donations are greatly appreciated. At the beginning of March, we will work to package the bags and hand them out at shelters. CLICK HERE TO LEARN HOW TO GET INVOLVED OR DONATE!
We are also hard at work sewing and handing out Blanket Wraps! In November, we hit a milestone of 1000 Blanket Wraps distributed and we are already on the way to 2000. We are always busy sewing more Blanket Wraps and handing them out whenever possible.
Lastly, Kate and I had the opportunity to teach a virtual Social Entrepreneurship seminar to a seventh grade class in San Francisco! We went over leadership tactics, communication skills, and how to effectively start a nonprofit. Kate and I challenged the students to continue our mission all the way out in California by finding old purses and bags in their houses to fill with necessary items. We were told the kids did an excellent job with this project and are inspired to help others in their community.
And lastly, we would like to formally introduce our sister, Avery, age 13. She has been sewing Blanket Wraps for years with us and has taught at all our sewing classes over the summer. She will now be stepping up to help us hand out Blanket Wraps and help with additional programs too.
As always, please consider donating to MK Blanket Wraps. We are expanding our reach every year, and donations are needed. Thank you!
Mackenzie, Kate and Avery
