About 2 weeks ago, I received a box in the mail sent by Carole L. that contained some case sets for our Safelight Project along with a nice donation. I knew I had a bunch more case sets in the storage room, along with cards and tote bags. I emailed a thank you, saying Safelight had what they needed for now. But then, I saw all the case sets, cards and tote bags needed were still awaiting assembly and delivery on shelves in the storage room. It got me thinking, when had I done the last delivery? Settle in for a long and picture heavy post.

I looked up the last post on the subject and the plan was to do the final one in October 2024. And you know what October was like! I have been so consumed with the Hurricane Quilts, that the Safelight Project slipped out of my mind.

So, it was time to finish this up for the 2024 project. I ordered supplies from Dollar Tree online. Thankfully with Carole’s donation, and one from Mary Ann W, along with what was left from the funding drive there was enough to cover all the bags left to do. Then I went to the storage area to pull out the case sets and cards from readers to see what I had. These stunningly beautiful cards came from Vicki in MN, and she had asked if I had envelopes. Yes, I could get some easily. While I waited for the shipment to come in, I got busy stamping the envelopes, and putting cards inside.

I chose this sentiment. I find having the same one on all the envelopes from one contributor makes sure that I don’t put two of the same inside sentiment or signature into one bag.

I picked up the shipment last Tuesday.

Naturally, they didn’t ship everything I ordered, so some had to be purchased in the store. Of course, one store didn’t have all the items I still needed either.

The case sets were spread out over a board on the longarm, and I placed brushes and sunglasses as far as they would go. Arggh! I forgot to get tissues for the tissue cases. I made a list of everything I still needed.

So, here is what is going into this shipment. I had to get a different lotion, but it is bigger. The nail treatments are harder to find, but between two stores, I managed to find enough. The bags also have facial wipes, hairbrush, hair treatment, a handmade lavendar soap from Liz H, retinol skin cream, sunglasses, and a case set with 2 inspirational cards in a nice quality canvas tote.

It never fails to amaze me, that no matter how many colors of sunglasses are in the case, there is the perfect one for every case set.

I needed to go to another store to get the final items, so in the meantime, I got as far as I could with the items I had. I could finish 24 of the case sets with the nail treatments, sunglasses, emery board and cards inside the cosmetic case, tissues in those cases, and a hairbrush set on each one to coordinate color.

For those sets where I had everything, I put them together and set them to one side.

Over on the table, I put the large items inside bags starting with the red handled ones.

I couldn’t get that far, as I didn’t have the tissues. So, only this number were complete on the first day.

I packed the cosmetic bags where I had what I needed in nail treatments, and set the empty tissue case on top. The cards went inside too. This would let me know that was all that was needed to finish them up were the tissues.

On the other end of the board, I put the sunglasses inside those cases, and left the cards on top to show these sets needed hairbrushes and nail treatments. The cards were from Vicki, and Lenora S.

Ready for the next items.

Then, I went to the bags, and packed them as far as I could there as well. I needed a few items to finish the last four bags, so I left those in the basket and the totes on the chair.

The next day I made another trip to the store with my list to get the few remaining items needed to complete the bags. One thing I noticed is they have started putting prices on the items. I don’t like this, as I was taught that a gift never has a price tag on it. These items are for the two men’s bags. I cut off the labels, or cut the price off the tag.

Then I went to the women’s sets and removed all the paper labels from all the brushes. Again, look at the colors, I just grabbed whatever was on the pegs, and they all look like I selected each one individually!

OK, now all the case sets are assembled, time to fill the bags.

Thirty six spa bags ready for delivery, with glitter tissue in the top of each one.

As you know, sometimes men come to the shelter seeking to escape an abuser. This time I made two men’s bags with a lightweight black duffel bag, six men’s care products, two cards, aviator sunglasses and snake print cases.

OK, we are ready to load the car.

We were dodging the rain Friday morning, so planned an early delivery. Arriving at the Safelight Shelter, we waited for the directors to come down with a cart.

Dana Depradel, Program Director (on the left) and Christine Gilmore, Shelter Director (on the right) met us. We piled the bags onto their two-tier cart in front of the Safelight butterfly mural. We chatted for just a moment. As always, they are so very grateful for the gifts for the residents fleeing abusive situations. Christine told me that the residents always are a bit amazed at the bags, full of things that are not the usual shampoo and toothpaste. She said several have read the cards with tears, saying “I really needed this right now.” Dana said that they have a man that just entered the shelter as well, so it was good that we included a couple of men’s bags with this delivery. It is heartwarming to know that your contributions make such an impact.

So, this will bring the 2024 project to a close. I know your next question, when will I do it again? For now, it will likely not be until late summer. So, if you have things to send, please hold onto them for now.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this effort!