Aimee Johnson, a mother of three from Portland, Oregon, found a way to transform her frustration following the recent presidential election into a positive initiative. Her family had actively supported the campaign of their chosen candidate, and when the results were disappointing, it was her resourceful 10-year-old son, Ethan, who proposed a creative solution to uplift their spirits. He suggested they craft and sell beaded bracelets and necklaces to raise funds for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), which has served as a protector of civil liberties for nearly a century, along with other organizations like Planned Parenthood, Mercy Corps, and Border Angels.
Quickly, the Johnson family gathered their materials, began crafting together, and launched their Etsy shop, UnityAndHope. Their efforts have already generated $1,000 towards an ambitious goal of $5,000. But that’s not all; each piece of jewelry comes with a thoughtfully designed, pre-addressed, and stamped postcard, making it easy for buyers to communicate with their representatives about important issues.
“We felt an overwhelming wave of support from our friends and family, which was crucial in lifting our spirits,” Aimee shared. “We’ve participated in service projects before, but this time, I wanted to embark on a longer-term, creative endeavor that we could all partake in.” Aimee emphasized the importance of engaging her children in activities that promote kindness and advocacy, hoping to instill in them the belief that even one family can make a significant impact.
Her daughter, Lily, who is 7, expressed her enjoyment in decorating the postcards and creating the bracelets, noting, “It’s fun to be creative while helping a good cause like the ACLU.” Meanwhile, Ethan, the mastermind behind the initiative, remarked, “It feels great to know that we can sell something simple and support vital organizations at the same time.”
Thirteen-year-old Mia added, “The world’s problems can feel immense and overwhelming. But making jewelry is something easy that any kid can do. Knowing the proceeds help important causes, like the ACLU, gives me hope.”
The Johnsons aim to exceed their $5,000 target, although they plan to focus their fundraising efforts on specific issues moving forward. Aimee is setting an empowering example not just for her children but for her friends, family, and the wider community by channeling her energy into constructive actions.
If you’re interested in supporting this inspiring family, consider visiting their Etsy shop or checking out their Facebook page. For further information on home insemination, see this related post. You can also find an excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination here.
In summary, the Johnson family is transforming their disappointment into a creative and charitable endeavor, teaching valuable lessons about advocacy and compassion along the way.