When I started this project in 2017, I never envisioned it would grow as it has. It went from an initial delivery of smaller bags with just a few items, to larger bags with more items and handmade case sets and cards. Deliveries increased to several a year! Readers have generously given so much of their time and money to sew the case sets, stamp cards and ship boxes of goodies for the domestic violence shelter. That first year, we made 35 bags at a cost of about $8 each.

The next year, we made 64 bags raising about $700, adding men’s bags to the mix. I upgraded the women’s bag to a canvas one and added more items to the bags. We made two deliveries that year.

The following year, we also made two deliveries of over 100 bags total. In 2020, we began the project before lockdown, and made a total of 3 deliveries with 135 total bags delivered that year. The next year, I upgraded the bags again to a sturdier one with a larger pocket and we delivered over 100 bags that year too, with a carryover into 2022.

2023 saw 72 bags delivered in March, with a few men’s bags included.

In 2024, we delivered over 100 bags in three car loads.

There was money left over, so we made Valentine gifts for each resident.

Then, we sponsored a hot dog and cake party for the residents on July 4, with everyone receiving a card encouraging residents to celebrate their independence from abuse.

Which brings us to the current project, begun in 2025. I put together men’s bags upgraded to backpacks with men’s products.

With some extra money and cards, I was able to put together a fun Halloween party for the residents and kids last October.

Then the women’s bags were filled for delivery, and taken to the shelter in October 2025.

The last delivery was made this past week, using up most of the remaining case sets and cards, and all of the bags. I ordered products online and picked up cases of sunglasses and more. As usual, I got out the case sets and lay them out to match up colors of sunglasses.

Hairbrushes were next. The cosmetic cases were filled with some goodies and cards, sunglasses placed inside their cases, and tissue cases filled. We had enough cards for each set to get three this time.

Scrubbies were added next. It always amazes me how the various colors somehow all seem to match up with the colors in the cases.

Another online order came in, and more items were purchased in multiple trips to 3 different stores to get enough of everything I wanted to put inside. I had to get three different lotions as I couldn’t get this online.

All packed up, these are the last 36 women’s bags and 2 men’s duffel bags.

There were a few case sets and cards left over, and I packed them up so Safelight could use them after the bags were all given out. The envelope on top is a cash donation of a small amount of remaining funds. Everything readers sent for the benefit of Safelight was included.

The delivery was made on Wednesday to the shelter. The shelter was happy to get one last delivery and three of the staff came out to help unload the car. From the left, Lauren Wilke – Chief Executive Officer, Whitney Jakubus – Outreach Manager, and Dana Depradel – Program Director.

With this delivery, the Safelight Project has come to an end. It has been very rewarding to me to do it, but the amount of work it involves and storage space needed in my home has become too much for me to handle. It has been 10 years of multiple deliveries a year, raising several thousand dollars to pay for the bags and extra holiday treats, and delivering hundreds of bags over the years. Only with your help was this possible. Thank you!