September is quickly approaching. For the staff at our U.S. Headquarters in Lacey, WA, this means it’s time to get busy! Believe it or not, Christmas is right around the corner and this is the absolute busiest time of year for orders.
So far, for 2014 – they have processed, packaged and shipped over 76,000 bracelets, necklaces, earrings, etc. That number will nearly double in the 12 weeks leading up to Christmas. With all of the Party Boxes, Fundraiser Ornaments and unique Christmas items to ship all over the U.S. and Canada – these ladies stay busy!
I introduced you to Apparent Project’s Director, Marilyn, a few weeks ago. Now I would like to introduce you to the rest of her team. Marilyn lovingly calls them “The Fairy Grandmothers.” These ladies help everything run smoothly and efficiently at our shipping office so that you receive your items in a timely fashion.
Meet Sandy – Our Party Box Packer
Her husband is a Construction Salesman and she had been a stay at home mom since 1975. After the economic down turn in 2008, Sandy knew she would need to go back to work. She began praying about God’s specific place for her.
During the Summer of 2010, she began volunteering for Apparent Project. She would come to Marilyn’s house and help her pack boxes. This took a big load off of Marilyn and by 2011, things were in place so she could be hired.
She has spent the last 3 years tagging, pricing and lovingly packing each party box that goes out. If you have ever had one of our Jewelry Parties, your box was most likely packed by Sandy.
I asked Sandy what her favorite part of working for Apparent Project is and she said,” It’s been so exciting for me to watch it grow and this really is the funnest work environment. I’m doing a job that makes a difference – that my heart can be connected to. It’s making a huge impact on women and children.”
This is Jodene – She’s in charge of packing all the Fundraiser items.
Jodene is a retired nurse. She began volunteering in December 2012 and was hired in February 2013. She enjoys the more relaxed atmosphere and the fact that she knows everyone she works with.
If you have ordered any type of Fundraiser Box, Jodene has been the one who has tagged, counted and packed that box up for you.
When I asked her what she enjoyed most about her job, she said, “I love the fact that we are helping to keep kids with their families – and I’m also helping people here in the U.S. to fund their mission trips, adoptions, etc. I have especially enjoyed having Pierre here. I feel like I have a real connection to Haiti.”
So far this year, AP has sent out over 26,000 Fundraiser items! That number will only increase with our new Christmas Ornament Fundraisers. We are so thankful for Jodene and all that she does to keep things flowing smoothly!
It really is exciting to see all these ladies busy working! Who knew when we started out with our goal of providing jobs for our Haitian artisans, that they would be providing much needed jobs for these ladies here in the U.S.? That’s pretty exciting stuff!!!!
| Pierre helping tag some FR Bracelets |
| Receiving instructions from Marilyn |
Until next time – with more of our wonderful team!
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