To recognize the International Day of Charity (September 5) and World Kindness Day (November 13), we asked members to find a non-profit, cause or just someone in need and share their DIY skills or time, using at least one of their favorite Rust-Oleum products. Our team of Expert Reviewers and friends on the Rust-Oleum Cares team would then select up to 3 of submissions to receive an additional donation on behalf of Rust-Oleum.
We were absolutely heartwarmed by the causes chosen and stories told by members in support of their project, and before we announce the causes that will receive a donation, we wanted to recognize a few of these poignant stories.
“Jeremiah is now 21 years old and has 2 younger brothers…I don’t always know how to help. I do know however how to cook and create, so the morning of the funeral I spent cooking and have been working on donations for a benefit since. Friends are coming together to show their love and support for the family.” – SchreiberWI
“Eden Healing Center is an amazing place that takes in horses that have been neglected or worse and rehabs them back into happy and healthy animals. Our youngest is special needs and after a few weeks, Jessica had him riding a horse with the biggest smile (tears may have been shed). We love every minute we get to spend at the farm!” – Melbussinger
“[This was for a] fundraiser for Queena, Bloomingdale Library attack victim. Queena is the survivor of a brutal 2011 attack outside the Bloomingdale Library in Valrico, FL. This is my neighborhood and the library I frequent…I don't know her or her family. She has not been able to walk, talk, or eat on her own since the attack. She communicates through widening her eyes, smiling, and clenching her fists. Queena requires around-the-clock care and attends daily physical and experimental therapies to aid in her recovery.” - SmedleyB
“DT Ranch is run by one sweet lady and her husband here in my hometown of Marlow, OK. It is a non-profit animal rescue which runs entirely off of her funding and help from the community.” – Hlabarbera
Although we wish we were able to make a donation to the cause near and dear to each participating member's heart, our Rust-Oleum Cares team had the difficult job of narrowing it down to three.
PUNT Pediatric Cancer Collaborative
Champion: @Nurseratchett54, Tiny Dancer Dresser
“I have been inspired by this organization and everything they do for families with pediatric cancer. I have three friends that have lost babies to cancer and it has been a mission of mine to raise money any way I can. This is the second dresser I have donated for PUNT. I found an antique dresser on Marketplace that needed some love. After lots of repairs, I primed the body, stained the top, and then I decoupaged a rice paper image to the front of the dresser. I added glass drawer pulls and then finished the body with a matte spray topcoat. I named this piece "Tiny Dancer".”
Newtown Youth & Family Services
Champion: @Lois Barber, Healing Holiday Sled
“I live in Sandy Hook, Connecticut. My quaint little New England town is a member of club that no one wants to be in. Our school shooting was on December 14, 2012, almost a decade ago, but we still have an open wound…. there’s a non-profit organization in my town that year-round has taken up the cause of helping our town heal. Newtown Youth & Family Services (NYFS) provides mental health services and counseling for families and individuals. They also provide year-round activities for all ages, interests, and abilities. Every year NYFS holds the “Festival of Trees”. Individuals, businesses, and service organizations all donate the time and talent to decorate Christmas trees, centerpieces, and holiday decorations to be raffled off in a beautiful fundraiser.”
Champion: @NativeDreams, Mermaid Dresser
"Elev8hope is a local charity near and dear to my heart. Miss Rina started Elev8hope with her children and it is a student driven charity that helps homeless families and children in our community. They often carry needy families with food insecurity for three months and help them acquire housing, jobs and even furnish entire homes for these families to move in. They started approximately 10 years ago and the success stories they share will warm your heart. I created this mermaid themed dresser for them to auction off at one of their events."
Our three champions have been notifed, and Rust-Oleum Cares will be making a donation to the cause each supported, in their names.
Creators, thanks to those who submitted a project, and to those who stopped by to comment on the projects. Most of all, thank you for always caring – both out in the world, and in this amazing online community with heart.