Member: Connie Crowder, Topeka, KS
Project Title: Personal Items and Supplies for Women and Children
Connie’s bible study group used her Difference Maker Fund to purchase items like blankets, stocking
hats, gloves, lip balm, lotion, and other personal care items. The group created 12 Christmas gift bags for women at their local YWCA center. These women were domestic violence survivors. The bags reminded the women that they are loved and not forgotten.
Member: Helen Hardesty, Walnut, IL
Project Title: Pies for the Pantry
Helen made Thanksgiving sweeter for families in her community by using her Difference Maker Fund to purchase frozen pies for the Western
Bureau County Food Pantry’s Thanksgiving meals program.
Member: Amy Lange, Cassville, WI
Project Title: Holiday Baskets for Shut-Ins
Amy realized that there are people in her community who don’t have easy access to the grocery store. She worked with
a local meal delivery organization and food bank to gather 30 names. Using her Difference Maker Fund, Amy filled bags with fruit, candy, cheese, sausages, and pastries.
Member: Carol Evans, Grasston, MN
Project Title: Women’s Group Holiday Gift Stockings
Carol organized volunteers to purchase and stuff stockings for a women’s group at her church. The stockings
were stuffed with chocolate, coffee, candy, and personal items like lotion and perfume purchased, in part, with her Difference Maker Fund.
Member: Deirdre Baker, Portland, OR
Project Title: Memorial Day Lunch and Honoring Veterans
Rose Community Development provides housing for low-income families in Deirdre’s community. They host Christmas
parties for each of their six buildings in December. Deirdre used her Difference Maker Fund to purchase cocoa, candy, and popcorn to be served at the parties.
Member: Joanne Braccio, St. Petersburg, FL
Project Title: Holidays for the Homeless
Joanne serves her community through a food pantry and thrift store. Using the Difference Maker Fund as seed money, Joanne
fed 75 homeless people and gave them clothing and toiletries as Christmas gifts.
