Are you raising a little social justice warrior? Well, there is no time like the holiday season to get kids into the mindset of thinking about others. As described in Race, Class, and Parenting: 7 Strategies for Raising Sensitive, Confident, and Loving Kids, gratitude and empathy form the foundation of social justice parenting. Keep reading for our top ideas to help you teach your children awareness, compassion and service.
1. Volunteer at a Food Bank or Organize a Food Drive
Family meals are typically such an important part of our holiday season, but so many individuals and families struggle to put a meal on the table year-round. In 2020, an estimated 10.5% of U.S. households were food insecure, according to the USDA Economic Research Service. Volunteering at a local food bank is an effective way to make our children more aware of their privilege and to teach our children the importance of service. If your child is too young to actually serve or stock food, you can help them organize a food drive among their family, classmates, teammates and friends.
The number of people who are without permanent homes has been on the rise this year, particularly in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic that has forced so many people out of work. In January 2019, even before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Annual Point-in-Time Count, seventeen out of every 10,000 people in the United States experienced homelessness on a single night. Of these 567,715 people, more than 35,000 were children.
A fairly simple, but meaningful project is to make care packages with toiletry items, like toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap and deodorant for people who are displaced. These kinds of sanitation items help to restore a sense of dignity for people who are struggling to maintain their hygiene during this transitional period in their lives. You can set a budget for picking up these items from a local dollar store, or you could even creatively repurpose hotel shampoos and lotions. Because coronavirus is still a significant risk, consider adding a small bottle of hand sanitizer. These items can be distributed through formal organizations that service these populations, or you can just keep freezer bag parcels in the back of your car to distribute in safe situations when you are out and about.
In a year when we seem to be struggling more than ever to maintain respect for people who are different than us, there has never been a better time to establish a tone of inclusion and acceptance in our own family culture. This holiday season, be sure to make time to learn about the traditions and experiences of people who are different than you. Set an important example for your children by taking the time to understand what matters to your neighbors and why. Here are some of the holidays that are being celebrated around the world through fall and winter:
Even as you make an effort to learn about others, don't forget the importance of sharing your traditions as well. Striving for a more equitable society means we are willing to participate in a reciprocal exchange of cultures and traditions. Consider sharing your traditions with friends of different backgrounds. Invite two to three neighbors to participate in a recipe swap for Thanksgiving; encourage them to share a food/recipe they grew up eating. Perhaps you can invite a friend to participate in a spiritual service at your temple, church or mosque. To move us forward as a society, we all have to be willing to be more vulnerable with one another, and there are many simple ways to do so over the holiday season.
5. Craft Holiday Cards for Seniors in Assisted Living Communities
Loneliness is a significant burden on the elderly, including those who reside in assisted living communities. According to the CDC, lonely seniors are at greater risk for dementia, depression and premature death. Teach your children to be sensitive to this vulnerable population by planning a crafting day to make holiday cards that you can drop off for seniors at a facility in your community. These cards will spread cheer to people who can really benefit from knowing that they are remembered and appreciated by their neighbors.
We don’t just want to teach our children how to be caring, we want to empower them with the skills to actually make the changes we need for a better world. This holiday season, support your children as they take the lead on organizing a toy, clothing or blanket drive. Start with research about communities that could benefit from this kind of activism, including unhoused people, children in orphanages and families displaced by hurricanes and fires this year. Help them figure out how to communicate and raise awareness about the social issues that create these needs. Encourage them to enlist help and form partnerships to scale their impact. Teach them to set goals and to be persistent towards their goal. Ultimately, they will internalize a powerful lesson about their ability to influence change.
7. Raise Awareness and Spread Love with Holiday Cards
Holiday cards are such a fun way to spread cheer among our friends and family. Consider designing a card or sharing a more intentional message among your social network this holiday season. Give updates on the social justice activities you have executed over the past year or share your positive intentions for the world in the coming year. Create holiday cards that encourage, enlighten and inspire this year.
8. Gratitude Activities
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Children who are grateful are better able to feel confident, show compassion and leverage their privilege on behalf of others. Gratitude is the most valuable perspective in social justice parenting. Create new holiday traditions focused on gratitude; consider Thanksgiving crafts or activities that inspire your kids to think about what they are grateful for. Plan to go around the dinner table and reflect on what each person appreciates in his or her life. If you use an Advent calendar in your holiday traditions, consider connecting each daily ritual to an explicit statement of gratitude. Help your children communicate in the dialect of thankfulness this holiday season and all year long.
This holiday season, use your purchasing power to promote social justice. As we are buying gifts for family, friends and all of the people in our lives who have helped us get through the year, think about where and how you spend your money. Make a point to buy from small businesses who have been disproportionately impacted by pandemic closures. Purchase goods and services from minority-owned businesses. When planning gift purchases, try to buy dolls, toys and books that represent all people of different races, ethnicities and abilities. Every dollar you spend is truly a vote for the type of world that you want to live in.
10. Make New Year’s Resolutions around Social Justice Issues
It is never too early to form a resolution or set a vision for the coming year. Even young children can and should be taught to dream and set goals for themselves and their communities. For the coming year, you and your family can set specific resolutions around social justice issues. Perhaps you will commit to reading books and learning more about systemic bias or environmental justice. Maybe you will commit to volunteering on a regular basis in your community in the coming year. You may decide to become more politically active engaging your local politicians or pursuing an elected or appointed position yourself. You might decide as a family to rescue a new pet. Setting intentions are a powerful first step to evolving as an individual, as a family, and as a society.
Your kid needs a mask. Whether it’s a run to the grocery store, a bike ride, or thoughts about returning to school, it’s time to stock up on face masks for your kids and family.
The CDC agrees that cloth face masks are one of the easiest and most effective ways to keep your family safe by slowing the spread of COVID-19. As we’ve learned, coronavirus is spread through droplets, so wearing a mask reduces your family’s risk.
What should you look for when shopping for kids masks?
Mosts parents agree a comfortable mask, with a breathable fabric, goes a long way in staying on your child’s face. The mask should be kid-sized, i.e smaller than an adult mask.
For additional guidelines, the CDC suggests kids’ masks that have multiple layers, fit snugly around the face, are secured with ties or ear loops, and are machine washable.
Tip: Order both the ear loop and a mask with ties. For long periods of time i.e. all-day wear, kids are more comfortable with the ties than the ear loop.
Many companies are stepping up and offering a variety of options to comply with guidelines, and in super creative ways. From organic cotton and breathable material, to Mickey Mouse and Paw Patrol, keep scrolling to see our favorite options for both kids face masks and adult face masks.
Bamboozle's masks are made with dishwasher safe bamboo fiber and are super cute. This set of masks feature a variety of animal themes including a cow, pig, lion, dog, fox and shark.
Mightly kids' face masks were recently named one of the "best sustainable, adjustable face masks for kids" by Forbes. The brand was founded by three moms who were tired of trying to find affordable sustainable clothes that their kids actually wanted to wear. Sold in 5-packs in a variety of fun colors and patterns, Mightly kids masks are made with three layers of luxurious rain fed 100% GOTS certified organic cotton in a fair trade certified factory. Comfortably tagless and snug fitting, to accommodate a variety of face shapes, they were designed for touch-sensitive kids and don't fall off of faces during play. They are some of the most comfortable masks we've tried and totally approved by an active boy with sensitivity to wearing masks.
Balaclavas are one of the easiest face coverings for kiddos to wear, and we love these from Baby Bala. Each three pack comes with bright colors, comfy ear loops and filters.
Carter’s has recently launched perfectly-sized face masks for kids. The cotton masks fits most kids ages two to 14, and while several of the colors are already sold out, Carter's will release new ones in July. In addition, the company created an illustrated guide for kids that aids parents in explaining the importance of wearing a mask. The “My Hero Mask” helps highlight our essential workers and anyone who wears a mask as an everyday hero, and is available for free with the purchase of any mask.
Made with a 3D design for easy breathability, these kids masks from Fenrici are moisture absorbing and sweat releasing. Each one comes with adjustable seamless elastic ear loops and a stretching, contoured shape, and is made with sustainable, biodegradable yarn, Acpocynum Viscose that is washable and reusable. Each purchase directs 5 percent of proceeds to Global Genes, the 501(c3) non-profit that supports the research and education for pediatric rare diseases, a community that is facing additional challenges during the covid-19 pandemic.
Nuzzle's masks are eco-friendly, washable, fully adjustable, and specially made for children. Each one is made with breathable cotton, adjustable elastic ear loops and is great for kids three and older.
Size: Kids
Price: $10.99 or 3 masks for $28 with code NUZZLESTHREE
Yoobi's reusable masks offer triple layer protection in adorable patterns. Each one comes with adjustable ear straps and are machine washable. For every Yoobi mask you purchase, a Yoobi item will be donated to a U.S. child in need.
Sometimes you just need a single-use mask and Just Play Children's Masks come in fun colors that make them fun to wear. These masks offer special licensed designs like Barbie, Hot Wheels, Paw Patrol, Blue’s Clues & You!, Batman and Harry Potter. Additionally, a donation will be made towards COVID-relief efforts for every box purchased of the licensed face masks.
Mouse Loves Pig is normally your go-to place for screen-free toys, but you can outfit your kiddos in masks, too! Even better, the shop is selling child and toy mask sets, so their favorite plushie can be safe, too. Each set comes with a reversible face mask for a child plus a small version that fits on their fave plush or doll. The adorable prints come in everything from polka dots, rainbows, space unicorns, dragonflies, butterflies, stars and more!
Size: One size, ideal for kids three to 10
Price: $14.99 for toy and mask set, $4.99 for plush-only mask, $24.99 for adult, child and plush trio set
To help little ones adjust to this new normal, Cubcoats has launched a line of “kid friendly” masks in playful designs resembling the characters they have come to know and love. Now your kids can transform themselves into Kali the kitty, Uki the Unicorn, Papo the Panda and Pimm the Puppy. Each mask is made of two layers of fabric, lined with 100% cotton and contain an inner pocket for filters.
Cubcoats has also just released transforming, two-in-one masks that double as loveable stuffys. Each one folds up into a wristlet that can be worn so you never lose one. t
Size: One size, best for kids four and older
Price: $12.99 for pack of two, $24.99 for pack of three of new Mask Buddies
King + Lola's masks are handmade and made with love in Atlanta, GA. Their kids camo mask is made with 100 percent cotton and is uber comfy and stylish. The black-owned business also donates 5 percent of every purchase directly to local charities.
Size: Kids small (age two to four), medium (age five to eight) and large (age nine to 12)
Adaptive fashion place, Patti + Ricky are now selling Ushood's Liteside UPF Sunshirt, a lightweight, breathable top that has a built-in, no-slip face covering. Perfect for kids with special needs, the extra fabric acts as a neck warmer and is easy to pull up as a face covering. The innovative shirt comes in 10 colors.
Little Medical School's Kids Face Covering Kit is not only a great option for role-playing, but the masks are actually wearable! Each box comes with an activity card and certificate, tape measure, stickers to decorate and two cloth masks.
Every Speakeasy Travel Supply Masks is handcrafted in Massachusetts with soft and breathable OEKO-TEX® certified woven cotton. They have have adjustable ears, are washable, reusable and have options that include standard two layer, three layer or 4 layer with Filter Pocket and Removable Nose Wire .
Maskela is not just a mask, it's a fashion statement. Choose from fancy options that include Japanese cotton, sequin, lace, silk, bridal, couture, metallic and more. They're made with a 3D convex shape, hidden pocket for filters and come with a storage pouch.
Poppy + Sage is a sustainable fashion brand with a focus on products from real communities that they have built authentic relationships with. The company's reusable masks made in Bali with 100% cotton with elastic straps and are machine washable.
Destira's athletic face masks are great for active kids, teens and adults. They are made with breathable, 100% premium cotton, over-head straps and are reusable and machine-washable. Each purchase will help send masks to Project Lemonade, a Portland-based non-profit that provides new, fashionable clothing, shoes, and supplies to youth in the foster care system, in addition to their Internship and Wish-granting programs.
Size: Child Small (3-6), Child Large (7-12), Teen/Adult
There are tons of options to choose from at Mamask. The company makes 100 percent cotton masks, sports masks and even holiday gifts sets. Masks are made with a copper fabric filter that has antibacterial, antimicrobial, and deodorizing benefits. To make it even more fun, kiddos can shop the variety of cute mask necklaces.
Paige Lauren's face masks are single layer and organically dyed. They're incredibly soft and with each purchase PL is donating proceeds to @wearFIGS Frontline Responders FUND.
Size: Adult, Child, Toddler & Mini (the small sizes of these masks are perfect for toddlers)
Our Head of Editorial tells us that this mask fits her 2 1/2 year old toddler son and he'll actually wear it for long stretches of time without complaining (for anyone who has tried to outfit a toddler with a mask knows this is a big deal). It's 100% double layer cotton with white silicone cord stops and elastic you can loosen or tighten around the ears. For the kids sizes there is no nose bridge casing or aluminum nose piece. Patterns are kid-friendly and playful (think fish, trucks and unicorns)
Size: kids (great for a toddler sized face). Also available in adult sizes.
These unique window masks are perfect for teachers, professionals and anyone who'd depend on reading lips. Each one is made of two layers of 100 percent quilting cotton, heavy gauge, durable vinyl, adjustable, soft ear loops and a nose wire for enhanced fit.
Don't let the name fool ya: this Seattle-based renowned corset maker Period Corsets is making some of the best masks money can buy. You'll find kids sizes, mommy-and-me and daddy-and-me styles and even Stuffy-and-Me designs in an array of fun cotton fabrics including mermaids, train-tracks and unicorn kitties! Handmade by a team of dedicated moms and women, shop here to support a local business and help families thrive while keeping your own loved ones safe.
Yes, your favorite tea company now makes masks! Shop the Aztec and Cherry Blossom patterns you know and love in masks that are triple-layered cotton with a PM2.5 filter and adjustable ear loop straps.
Made in San Francisco, CAMP's mask options range from whimsical pastels to funky patterns for both adults and kids. Choose from soft jersey styles that include both ties and ear loops, and even a matching mask and ringer tee bundle!
Two female-owned, small business brands, Tokki and size-inclusive fashion brand Gravitas New York, have come together to create stylish face masks for the entire family. Not only is one mask donated to a frontline worker for every one purchased, but we love the light, cotton styles that comes with and adjustable filter pocket, around-the-head bands and fun styles.
Size: Kids 2-6, kids 7-12, adult, adult petite and adult XL
Billie Blooms outfits the entire family with masks! Each non-medical cloth mask is reusable, washable and handmade in the USA. The fitted masks come with an inner pocket to add your own filter, are made with 100 percent cotton and 1/8" USA made latex-free elastic. When you purchase a masks, Billie Blooms will provide masks to Feeding America to help those in need.
Part scarf, part face mask, these uber comfy masks make a statement! Made with Covered Good signature material, they easily stay up around the nose (they include ear loops!) and can be worn as a stylish scarf when not inside.
Size: Small (toddler to pre-teen), medium (teens and women) and large (men and women)
Your every day mask, these everyday coverings from City Threads are reusable, washable and made from soft 100% cotton. The soft-knit masks are made with two layers of protection and are machine washable.
Size: XS (3T - 6), S (kids 7-12), L (Adult Large), XL(Adult X-Large) and XXL(Adult XX-Large)
Charis + Love's organic cotton masks are perfect for littles needing protection. The company also offers styles using antibacterial thread as well as lightweight, summer masks for adults.
Size: Toddlers (2-3 years), kids (4-8 years) and adult
The Elephant Organics have several mask options, including those with and without filter pockets. You'll love that they're made with 100 percent organic cotton interlock fabric exclusive of trims and are lead, phthalate and flame retardant free.
You'll get the best of the best with the Max7 mask. It's a liquid-repellent 7-layer reusable face mask with five layers for breathable protection and a cooling quick-dry inner layer. If also offers a particle filtration efficiency of up to 96%, adjustable ear straps and a moldable nose clip.
Enro's masks are fun and functional. Each one contains three layers, a built-in PM0.1 filter and an exclusive fabrication that's 40% more breathable than cotton. And bonus: they can withstand up to 100x machine washes without losing any of their efficacy!
Luminora's face masks offer three times the protection of traditional cotton mask. They are eco-friendly, offer UPF 50+ protection, are antimicrobial and are temperature regulating.
Mom-run company Happy Masks is one of the only businesses using a nanofiber membrane filter. It's been tested and found to block over 99.9 percent of particular matter (PM) for up to for 50 washes. The unique 3D design leaves space between the mask inner layer and the mouth and nostrils for ultimate comfort and also features an adjustable nose wire and ear straps
Bobo's double-layered premium face masks are super special. All 100 percent of proceeds will go to support Blessing In A Backpack to help raise awareness of childhood hunger. Each one comes with adjustable ear straps, with three color choices for kids and one for adults.
NiiceFace's masks made from 100% pure cotton and smart antibacterial fabric. Each one comes with a five layer PM2.5 filter, adjustable ear belts and a convertible aluminum nose-bridge. NiiceFace also uses the newest silver ion technique to resist and stop the growth of microorganisms.
Sock It To Me's dual-layered knit masks come with an outer material that leverages the natural properties of copper. Even better? You can buy a matching pair of socks!
Shawn Sargent's masks are breathable, stylish, and reusable, With over 40 designs for both kids and adults, everyone will enjoy this handmade face coverings that are made in Chicago. Each one is made with premium 100 percent tight-weave eco-friendly cotton that come in two and three-layer designs,
Grove Collaborative just released a new line kid-specific products for back to school including reusable masks. The triple-layered reusable face masks are from soft organic cotton with an antimicrobial coating. Each one lasts up to 40 washes and comes in packs of three with fun colors and patterns.
Silkberry baby is bringing their buttery soft fabric to the mask world Perfect for sensitive skin, the two-ply fabric is made from bamboo, is breathable, washable and reusable.
Female founded athletic brand, AVRE is now making face masks. Each one is knitted with fibers spun out of recycled PET bottles and comes with high-grade filters that offer high bacterial filtration levels and resistance. Even better, AVRE donates five masks to local organizations in need for every mask that is purchased.
Plover is now making masks for adults and kids. Each one is made with doubled organic cotton, behind-the-ear elastic and we metal nose bridges. Choose from six patterns for adults and two for kids.
Size: Kids and adults
Price: $25 for a set of 2 for kids, $35 for a set of 2 for adults
Rendall Co.'s masks are unique in that they feature and adjustable bungee cord (versus over the ear elastics) and tearaway velcro for safety. Each one has a protective dual layer, in breathable, washable cotton. The company offers adult and two kid sizes (ages 3-6 and 7-10).
Known for its water repellent aprons, BlueCut is now making masks with a micro-suede finish. They come with two layers of light-weight woven fabric, high-thread count protection and are washable, reusable and sustainable. The affordable masks can also be customized with embroidery and a name label.
Whether you're looking for disposable or cloth, adult or kid sizes, Kohl's has it all. Shop from a huge selection of polyester and cotton in basic patterns, solids and tons of sports themes.
Baby products and lifestyle brand green sprouts masks offer three layers of protection, including an activated carbon inside. Choose from lots of adorable prints for both kids and adults, and 10 percent of masks sold are donated to organizations in need or areas that are most affected by COVID-19.
Co.Protect is helping you get ready for the back to school season. The mask retailer is now making FDA certified single-use masks for kids in addition to their adult styles. Each one is made with a three layer Spunbond construction, making them sweat-free and breathable to feel light and comfortable. Fun kids styles include surfing, puppies and camo.
Maloja's three-layer reusable masks are made with a special Viraloff finish, an antimicrobial fabric treatment. The unique style completely covers your face and mouth, with elastic loops that affix around the neck and head for ultimate comfort.
Vistaprints mask lineup offers both custom and pre-fabbed masks. Each one offers a peplaceable filter system and advanced filtration that will block airborne contaminants. Kid and adult sizes come with3-dimensional chin structure, a nose bridge and adjustable straps.
Beloved by the Royals, La Coqueta is now making face masks for both kids and adults. Handmade in Spain, each mask has a reversible design with elastic ear loops. Currently you can choose from seven adorable patterns.
Size: Kids and adults
Cost: $9 for kids and $11.60 for adults. Free international shipping on orders over $193 or $25 for shipping to the U.S.
Honest's soft and reusable face masks are made with double layered 100% cotton cloth available in adjustable child and adult sizes. Each mask comes with adjustable silicone sliders on stretchy round elastic, bendable nose wire and a pocket for filters (each masks comes with five!). Choose from three patterns: Rose Blossom, Cactus & Pattern Play.
Size: Kids and adult
Cost: $22.99 for kids two-pack, $24.99 for adult two-pack with additional six and eight-pack options
In addition to regular cloth masks, Baby Jack & Co. is also whipping up "Smile Window Learning Lovey Masks." The window is made from breathable acrylic poly film, while the remaining is made of up breathable, micro-poly. All masks are machine washable, designed in the USA and 20 percent all sales will be donated to the Starlight Children's Foundation.
Size: Kids and adult
Cost: $9.95 for kids, $10.95 for adults. Adult and kid window masks are available for pre-order with shipment mid-August for $12.95 each.
Made with 100 percent combed cotton, Polkadot England's delicate-patterned masks make quite the accessory. Each masks comes with color coordinated elastic loops and is machine washable. A portion of proceeds from all masks sold will go to YouMomCares, a non-profit organization dedicated to children's mental wellness for the months of November and December.
Children's brand Janie and Jack are now using extra fabric to make masks for kids and adults. Sold in two packs, the cute and simple prints are sold in a pleated style with elastic ear loops. Additionally, for every pair of masks purchased through September 30th, Janie and Jack will donate $5.00 to Baby2Baby, a nonprofit which provides necessities for children in poverty.
West Point Home has just added face masks for kids and adults that are made with Silverbac, an antimicrobial technology. Made by Martex Health, customers can choose between two and three-layer options that include comfort loops elastics and fun, washable fabrics like rainbows and dinosaurs.
Piccolina's masks are made with 95 percent cotton and 5 percent spandex so you know they'll be comfy. The triple-layered masks offer a pocket for filters and come in five adorable prints. Additionally, 20 percent of proceeds from mask sales will go toward families in need via non-profit partner City Harvest, where seven pounds of food will be delivered to families in need.
Size: Kids and adults
Cost: $10 for 1 mask, $27 for 3, $42 for 5 or $80 for 10
Marie Chantal Children has introduced a limited lineup of masks made from leftover fabric prints from this year’s collection. The series includes masks for kids ages four to 10 and adults, and includes matching items that coordinate with dresses from this year's styles. A percentage of all masks sales will go to support "Together for Children," an association of non-profit NGO’s that work in the field of child welfare supporting children in Greece.
Accessory brand, Caraa, has just launched reusable and washable masks for kids and adults. Each one is made from dual-layer 100% cotton, with a nose bridge wire, adjustable ear loops and a filter pocket. The masks come in packs of five in gorgeous color palettes, and Caraa donates a pack to relief efforts for every bundle purchased.
Jaanuu, a medical apparel brand, is selling reusable antimicrobial masks for adults and kids. With an exterior fabric that is moisture-wicking, and breathable, the soft scrubs fabric is treated with Silvadur™ antimicrobial technology to ward off bacteria, mold and mildew. The interior fabric is lined in cotton or mesh that makes each on super comfortable for long wear.
Boomer Natural's 30-Day Nano Silver masks are good for 30 washes and come in an ultra-soft, 65 percent cotton/35 percent polyester blend. Each mask is made from three layers of tightly woven fabric with nano-silver technology. The triple layer construction filters the air and minimizes transmission germs.
Size: Kids and adult
Price: Kids sizes start at $7.70 and adult sizes start at $9.70 with subscribe and save options
Say hello to the first face mask made with zinc and created specifically for sensitive skin and eczema! Remedywear masks are made with TENCEL and an embedded zinc oxide. Each masks is machine washable, antibacterial, and antimicrobial. YoRo Naturals will will donate one mask to a professional caregiver, community program or schools in need for every two masks sold.
Ledbury, a shirting and menswear brand is now making masks! With sizes for men, women and kids, the brand is offering several styles that include cone, pleated and diamond with options for antibacterial fabric and adjustable straps.
Every mask you buy from Knours is handmade by Jennifer and Anne, two women whose small businesses have suffered during the pandemic. Each masks is triple-layered and made with 100 percent cotton that features a melt-blown, non-woven filter that is nonflammable and nonabsorbent.
BooginHead makes super comfy masks for kids and adults, and many matching options. They are made with two layers of fabric with a pocket for a filter, are BPA, PVC and phthalate-free, soft ear loops and come in a structured fit. The company also just released new adjustable masks, as well! In addition, BooginHead donates 10% of Mask profits to COVID-19 aid organizations local and nationwide.
Funkins doesn't just make masks, they make three unique styles! With beyond adorable prints that include ninjas and mermaids, shoppers can choose from pleated, comfort fit or a secure fit that comes with extra material and a nose bridge wire.They are made with lightweight material that is breathable and machine washable.
Stock up with Giftgowns mask bundles that offer men, women, unisex and kid styles! Each masks offers two layers of cotton, a filter pocket, is breathable and machine washable. With so many trendy patterns, there's a mask for the entire fam!
Rafi Nova's masks come in tons of options for all kinds of weather. The company's everyday essentials masks offer three layers of lightweight 100 percent cotton, that include a middle anti-bacterial layer. You'll also get a nose bridge, adjustable ear loops and an additional filter pocket. Teens and adults can also choose from the lightweight performance options, as well as kids styles in cute patterns, made from cotton.
Sizes: S-Child 4-6 years old, M-Child 6-12 years old, one size fits all for teen and adult
Price: Two-pack kids mask for $16, three-pack adult masks for $27
Nano Air Masks are made in America and filter more than 95% of airborne particles and contaminants. Lighter than a sheet of paper, these disposable masks are perfect for warm weather.
Amy Kuschel's collection of face masks include sizes ranging from mini to max. Each mask comes with fabric ties and a wired edge along the upper mask to contour to the nose. There are tons of family-friendly prints in simple and neutral colors.
Size: Mini XS/S-Kids 4+ and adults with petite faces, Standard S/M-Most adults, Max L/XL taller adults
OURA masks offer self-sterilizing technology that actually kills germs. Each one gives specialized protection from pathogens with lab tested antimicrobial effects. Coming in both junior and adult sizes, each masks comes with its own antimicrobial travel pouch to store when it's not in use.
MaskClub is the first subscription-based buy one, donate one online mask destination. As one of the top licensing companies with over 800+ licensed brands, your kiddos will love the styles that include Sesame Street, Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and Nickelodeon favorites like SpongeBob SquarePants, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, JoJo Siwa, Blue’s Clues & You!, PAW Patrol, and more. The are double-ply, printed and sewn in the USA and for every mask purchase, the company will donate a medical grade mask to First Responders Children’s Foundation.
Size: Child and adult
Price: $9.99 subscription for one mask per month or $13.99 each
Disney face masks character-themed masks feature fan faves from Disney, Marvel, Pixar and Star Wars lines. Coming packs of four, each set includes unique designs, and all profits of mask sales in the U.S. will be donated to MedShare, up to $1 million until Sept. 30, 2020.
Size: Youth small and medium, Adult large and extra large
Price: $19.99 for pack of four
Available at shopdisney.com for preorder, with expected ship date of Aug. 26
Shoshanna
Shoshanna, the women’s ready-to-wear, evening wear and swimwear firm, has introduced Mommy and Me masks, hoping that the collection will make it easier for parents to get their children to wear them. The reusable mini masks are made from excess gingham fabric and are available in mint or navy.
Nickelodeon is producing iconic characters from its hit shows including SpongeBob SquarePants, PAW Patrol, Blue’s Clues & You! and JoJo Siwa. All proceeds from the sales of Nickelodeon face masks will benefit Save the Children’s COVID-19 Global Response and will be redistributed to the region where the mask was purchased.
Size: Child and adult
Price: $18.95
Available at spongbobshop.com and other outlets later this summer
Old Navy
Old Navy is selling reusable cloth masks that come in packs of five for both adults and kids, and in assorted surprise patterns made with excess fabrics from other products as a way to sustainably source the materials. In addition to making affordable masks available for customers to buy, Old Navy is making a donation of 50,000 masks to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
Target offers some of the most affordable mask options around. Adorable two-layer cotton kids masks start at $4 for a pack of two, and you can even pick up gorgeous patterned adult options for just $2. They come with elastic ear loops, pockets for filters and are machine washable.
ARLi sells child and adult masks that are washable, reusable, reversible and double lined. The high-quality, breathable supima cotton and soft ribbed cotton ear loops makes them comfortable, no one will mind wearing them.
These comfy and breathable T-shirt material masks are made from rayon/spandex jersey. They offer a snug fit that's also breathable for warm weather, and come in 35 different pattern choices! Additionally Bailey Blue is donating masks to local heroes in need.
Each Happy Mask is made from two layers of fabric with a filter pocket for added protection. You can currently choose from white or mustard, and when you purchase from Mochi Kids, the company will donate one mask for each one sold.
Joah Love has so many patterns, we lost count! Many styles offer reversible options and the company's adjustable ear straps make these a great option for the entire family. Described as a "T-shirt for your face," these coverings are made from the company's softest shirts and are guaranteed to be comfy.
Size: Kids (two to 6), Sm/Md (Older Kids, Tweens, Petite Adult Faces., M/L = Women & Men, XL= Fuller Faces/Men, Beards
Crayola is helping kids and teachers prepare for school. They are offering a 5-mask system that offers unique styles each day of the school week, so kids can choose a new, clean mask every day. Each kit comes with masks that are made with dual-layer fabric with a with 3-D face design, secure fit adjustable ear straps, nose clip and a laundry bag for easy washing.
Size: Kids and adults
Price: $29.99 for a pack of 5 for kids and $39.99 for a pack of 5 for adults
Nico Nico is whipping up super stylish masks with surplus fabric. Currently, the company is offering two styles of masks with elastic, adjustable ties and a side opening to insert filter.
Walmart's face masks include everything from cloth and disposable to balaclavas and bandanas. The cotton masks offer three layers of protection, are machine washable and come in tons of fun patterns. Many styles offer extra features, like adjustable ear loops, too!
String King offers both reusable 2-layer cotton masks as well as 3-layer disposable options. The simple reusable style is great for all occasions, with neutral color choices and comfortable ear loops. We also love the bulk order options that make buying for organizations or stocking up a breeze.
Choose from TechKnit or the Everyday masks for ultimate comfort and protection. The Everyday model has a new and improved design with five layers and a sewn-in filter.
Let your face breath with this option from Cilque that is made from 100 percent Mulberry silk. Each one has a double layer with an extra filter pocket and is reusable.
Christy Dawn now sells cotton and silk masks and they're all sustainable. Since the start of the pandemic, the company has upcycled over 40,000 yards of deadstock fabric and donated 200,000 masks to first responders and people in need. You can shop cotton and silk styles in pleated and contoured designs. Masks are reusable and washable.
Size: Adults
Cost: $22 for single silk mask, $30+ for cotton three packs
Autumn Adeigbo's colorful masks are all produced in the U.S. at sustainable, female-owned facilities. Each one provides global artisans with meaningful employment and fair wages. The black-owned business' masks are made from 100 percent cotton and are all made to order.
Maker of toy storage bags, Swoop Bag is now bringing you reusable, non-medical grade masks! Each one is made with adjustable soft jersey cotton ear loops, double layer 100% quilting cotton and lots of bright colors.
Size: Technically only for adults, but can fit kids as young as 10
Newly launched, woman and minority-owned mask business Olivian is changing the mask game. Not only are they offering bulk purchases of single use triple-layer masks, but a monthly subscription that goes up to 500 masks, too! Each one offers an adjustable nose piece and is made with soft, breathable fabric.
Size: Adult
Price: Monthly subscription starts at $20 per month, or $24.50 for a pack of 50
41 Winks masks have been tested with a respiratory therapist for a great fit, and each one is individually sewn with a reinforced top stitch all around. They offer adjustable elastic straps, adjustable plastic nose bridge three layers of protection. Each face mask purchased gives 5% to frontline workers and their families through the First Responders First fund.
Uniqlo's AIRism masks are already best sellers and offer a three tier structure. The first layer wicks away moisture, the second has a built in filter and the third uses AIRism Mesh to blocks UV rays.
Soliscia by Nufabrx is a must for hot weather. The reusable face mask is infused with shea butter to prevent “maskne” and moisturize dried out skin.It's made with soft ear loops, is machine washable and copper powered which deters bacterial growth.
Made in Europe with The Fold London's signature surplus fabric, these silk masks are perfect for long-term wear. Each one is lined with 100 percent cotton, has elastic ear loops and comes with an opening to insert a removable filter. For every set of masks sold, £15 will go directly to Smart Works charity, an organization that helps unemployed women get back to work.
Maternity Brand Emilia George is now offering three styles of masks. In addition to a 100 percent cotton version that comes with either elastic loops or ties, the company is also selling a 100 percent cupro version. This material is a a cotton by-product and one of the most sustainable and breathable fabrics. Masks come in a variety of colors, and Emilia George donates a portion of their inventory to daycare centers across the country that remain open for children of essential workers.
Boden's jersey-soft masks are a mystery in the making. When you order a pack, you get a surprise batch of patterns made from the end of fabric rolls, making these cozy face coverings eco-friendly! The stretchy masks offer a wire for a fitted nose and comfy ear loops.
In a matter of days, Pixels became the world's largest mask retailer. With over hundreds of thousands of designers and 3,000,000 options, you can literally find a design for everyone. Choose from styles featuring surrealism, abstract, sports, wildlife, florals, science fiction and more. The stylish designs are made from 100 percent polyester and hand-sewn in North Carolina. The masks come with two elastic ear loops and a built-in pocket for inserting an air filter.
If you're looking for a go-to set of face masks, these stretchable, form-fitting fabric from Lapcos are the ones. They provide 99.9% UV protection, a stretchable and slip-on material with a stable fit that won't irritate your nose and chin.
If you've been wanting to design your own mask, but aren't the seamstress, Walgreens is here to save the day. The retailers is now offering fully customizable masks that you can design with your own photo! The two-part masks are cotton on the inside and polyester on the outside, come with silicone fasteners and a pocket for filters.
Cariloha's bamboo masks are made from sustainable material that naturally repels toxins, allergens and odors. The comfy material makes long-term wear a breeze and each mask comes with adjustable ear loops and a nose clip.
Say goodbye to sweaty masks (and wrinkles) with Night's 100 percent silk option. Each one offers three layers of fabric, including silk and a disposable filter that resists bacteria, allergens, moisture and dust. Stylish colors include black, gunmetal, blush and champagne.
*Editor’s Note: According to the CDC, children under age 2, or anyone who has trouble breathing, is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance should not use a cloth face covering.
Diversity and inclusion are spectacular! And Disney+ is celebrating its community of LGBTQ+ creators, employees and fans with a first-ever virtual variety show. This is Me: Pride Celebration Spectacular will feature plenty of big names and unique musical performances and you can watch it live on YouTube and Facebook.
The concert streams on Sunday, June 27 at 8 p.m. ET and includes Alex Newell (Glee), DCapella (Disney Music Group’s acapella performers), Frankie Rodriguez and Joe Serafini (High School Musical: The Musical: The Series), Michael James Scott (Aladdin on Broadway), Todrick Hall and Kermit the Frog! It’s hosted by Nina West (RuPaul’s Drag Race) and will reinterpret iconic Disney songs through a LGBTQ+ lens.
“At Disney+, we believe in the power of inclusive storytelling to bring us together and inspire us to live authentically,” said Joe Earley, global head of Marketing and Content Curation for Disney+. “We are committed to amplifying the voices of our LGBTQ+ creators and talent, and platforming content that reminds people to love loud – and sing louder – in this special event.”
It’s sure to have you humming along, but the concert will also raise awareness for GLSEN, a nonprofit that works to ensure LGBTQ+ students are able to learn and grow safely in school. For more diverse content, check out the “Celebrate Pride Month” content set streaming on Disney+, or watch OUT, the Pixar SparkShort that’s available now on YouTube.
––Sarah Shebek
Image courtesy of Disney+, featured image courtesy of Samantha Hurley/Burst
It takes all kinds of parents to make a family, and foster parents play an essential role for kids who most need love and protection. That’s why this year for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, RITZ has launched a new campaign called “Foster Welcome” to celebrate foster moms and dads and all the work they do to create welcoming families.
As part of the campaign, RITZ has released a new video highlighting the emotional experience of bringing a new foster child into your home, created in collaboration with The Martin Agency and the National Foster Parent Association. Grab some tissues because we’ve got it ready for you to watch now.
“Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are the perfect occasions to celebrate all the foster parents who might not get the recognition they deserve during this time of year,” says Santiago Gomez Bernal, Associate Marketing Director at RITZ. “Through our collaborative with the National Foster Parent Association, we’ve learned there is much more to be done to help and support the incredible work these parents do every day. We hope to elevate their inspiring stories and raise awareness around how meaningful it is to be a foster mom or dad, from large families to single parents to same sex parents, they are truly the ultimate welcomers, and we are honored to share their stories.”
You can visit TasteofWelcome.com to learn how to donate to the National Foster Parent Association, find volunteer opportunities and discover if becoming a foster parent might be in your future. For a bit of fun on Instagram, search #FosterWelcome into the sticker search bar and find stickers that RITZ has created for foster parents sharing family photos. It’s the perfect way to help celebrate families of all kinds.
On your mark. Get set. Go! Race season has begun and sprinting to the finish line is not just for grown-ups. You’ll find a host of fun runs and charity walks in Chicago for families looking to exercise together. We laced up our sneaks and set out to find the best, here’s a rundown of our favorite ways to close your Apple Watch fitness rings in 2022.
ONGOING
‘Go Runs Park Districts and Chicago Area Runners Association have paired up to provide weekly timed runs. Make the runs a weekly event to explore new areas of Chicago while staying fit with your family. Strollers are welcome, so no baby gets left behind. Saturdays during spring & summer; Parks throughout Chicago. More info.
APRIL
Brookfield Zoo
Bunny Rock 5K & Egg Hunt Hop, skip and run for a great cause. You'll support the Red Door Animal Shelter while your gang runs or walks through this bunny-filled 5K. Afterwards, your candy lovers won’t want to miss the massive Egg Dash with 3,000 eggs. Apr. 16; Montrose Harbor, 601 W. Montrose Harbor, Uptown. More info.
Champion of Trees 10K at Morton Arboretum Enjoy the first signs of spring on a challenging course with rolling terrain. After the run, stay for a complimentary beer, live music and free admission to the Arboretum. Apr. 23; Morton Arboretum, 4100 IL-53, Lisle. More info.
Best Buddies Friendship Walk at Soldier Field Walk, support and celebrate best buddies at the Best Buddies Friendship Walk. The Friendship Walk is the number one walk in the country raising awareness and funds to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Apr. 23; Soldier Field, 1410 Special Olympics Dr., Near Southside. More info.
2K Glow RunWalk This 1.25-mile nighttime fun run featuring black bubble lights and color stations is not to be missed. Enjoy a rockin’ glow party with a DJ before and after the race. Maximize your glow by wearing as much white or neon as possible. Apr. 23; Ackerman Park, 800 S. Charles Rd., Glen Ellyn. More info.
Earth Day Run at Brookfield Zoo Lace-up for the Earth Day Run – A Run for the Planet. This non-competitive 2.2 mile “fun run” through the twist and turns of Brookfield Zoo takes place during pre-park hours and is set up for all ages. Apr. 24; Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Rd., Brookfield. More info.
JUNE
The Color Run 5K Wear your whitest clothes because at every kilometer, you'll be doused from head to toe with colored powder. The fest at the end with music, dancing, activity booths, more color throws and photo opps will keep the whole family entertained. Jun. 4; Soldier Field, 1410 Special Olympics Dr., Near Southside. More info.
Cosley Zoo Run for the Animals The Cosley Zoo Run for the Animals 5K, 10K & Kids’ 1/2 mile raises funds for the animals at Cosley Zoo as well as exhibit development projects, public programs and conservation projects. Jun. 4; Memorial Park, 208 W. Union Ave., Wheaton. More info.
Run for the Zoo Run for the Zoo is an annual highlight on the Chicago running calendar and helps keep admission free, 365 days a year. The Kids' Course offers a more playful way for kids ages 3-8 to interact with the natural world. Jun. 5-13; Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark St., Lincoln Park; More info.
Move for the Kids Virtual 5K Move for the Kids is a 3-mile walk and rally honoring the important work of Lurie's Children's Hospital. Jun. 12; Soldier Field, 1410 Special Olympics Dr., Near Southside. More info.
Lambs Farm Fun & Fit Family Day This fun, family-oriented 5K fun run or 2-mile walk benefits Lambs Farm's programs and services that help adults with developmental disabilities. Stay afterward for post-run/walk refreshments, games and activities. Jun. 18; Lames Farm, 14245 W. Rockland, Libertyville. More info.
Outrun the Cops and Walk for Kids Have you ever wondered if you could outrun the cops? Now's your chance to test your theories . . . with zero consequences. Most of this 10K or 5K run is along the scenic Des Plaines River Trail and you'll attempt to finish before the police. At the end, take photos with officers and squad cars. Jun. 25; Gurnee Police Station, 100 O'Plaine Rd., Gurnee. More info.
A Safe Haven Virtual 5k Run/Walk This run/walk and kids’ dash, benefiting A Safe Haven social service agency, supports numerous housing, job placement/training and other programs for the homeless and less fortunate. Once you cross the finish line, you'll be rewarded with the sweet sound of music. Jul. 10-18; Virtual. More info.
AUGUST
Dim Sum & Then Some: Uptown 5K, 10K and Kids Dash Proceeds for this run through Uptown benefit the low-income and refugee communities striving to learn English, become a citizen, enrich academically and socially and build a better community through work, entrepreneurship and mutual aid. Aug. 6; 1016 W. Argyle St., Uptown. More details.
TransPerfect Chicago Victory 5K TransPerfect Chicago is hosting their Victory 5K featuring a scenic race with city views, a silent auction and a post-race celebration with food, beverages and entertainment. All proceeds benefit the V Foundation for Cancer Research. Aug. 11, Diversery Habor, 2601 N. Cannon Dr., Lakeview. More details.
Stan's Donut Run Grab your donut-lovin’ friends and register for the 2022 Stan’s Donut Race! Join in for a 5K and Kids Dash at Montrose Harbor or participate virtually. Stan's Donut Race is proud to partner with Greater Chicago Food Depository as this year's beneficiary charity. Aug. 13; Soldier Field, 1410 Special Olympics Dr., Near Southside. More info.
Life Time Kids Tri Chicago Rivaling the largest youth triathlons nationwide, the Life Time Kids Tri Chicago attracts more than 1,000 youth athletes every year! They can swim, bike and run like the grownups, but for shorter distances. Aug. 27; Foster Beach, Foster Avenue & Lake Shore Dr., North Side. More info.
SEPTEMBER
ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk More than 7,000 men in the Chicagoland area will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year alone. The ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk brings the community together to raise awareness and funds. This event features a 5K run/walk, 1-mile walk, Kids Superhero Dash for Dad, and virtual Snooze for Dudes program, where you can show your support without attending. Sep. 18; Diversey Harbor, 2601 N. Cannon Dr., Lakeview. More info.
OCTOBER
Walk Now for Autism Speaks The no-pressure, three-mile walk is taking place in two locations, Soldier Field and Wheaton. The downtown walk takes you leisurely by the Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium and along the lakefront. Strollers—and even Radio Flyer wagons—are welcome.
Tip: Like all races, the environment at an Autism Speaks Walk can become overwhelming for people with sensory sensitivities. The Quiet Room can be used as a safe outlet should your loved one living with autism become overwhelmed. Oct. 22; Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton & Oct. 23; Soldier Field, 1410 Museum Campus Dr., Museum Campus. More info.
Susan G. Komen Race for a Cure The Susan G. Komen Race for the cure is an education and fundraising event that benefits breast cancer. The series of 5K runs and walks raises significant funds for the breast cancer movement, celebrates breast cancer survivorship and honors those who have lost their battle with the disease. Oct. 29; Soldier Field, 1410 Special Olympics Dr., Near Southside. More info.
NOVEMBER
Reindeer Run at Brookfield Zoo Grab your glow sticks and running shoes and join Reindeer Run at Brookfield Zoo. With a two-mile course entirely within Brookfield Zoo, you and your family can "fun run" and be the first to see the zoo all decked out in lights for its Holiday Magic! Nov. 19; Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Rd., Brookfield. More info.
There are so many things I want to tell you, but it’s so hard—I don’t even know where to begin.
Ever since I was little, I dreamed of becoming a Mom. In fact, until just before I graduated high school, the only job I ever had was babysitting. Caring for kids has always been a passion of mine. I prayed for you for so long. There was a long stretch of time that I didn’t think it was going to happen.
After what seemed like forever, by medical intervention and God’s grace, that beautiful pink line finally appeared. I know now that the long wait for your arrival was just the first of many lessons in patience for me. Being your Mom has taught me so much. You are extremely aware of the emotions around you. You remind me when I’m being too loud. You become anxious. You know when I’m feeling sad. You keep a very close eye on me. You know when I’m relaxed and genuinely happy. You never short the laughter. You’ve shown me the need to slow down. My favorite is when I’ve been so busy doing things and you just grab my hand and pull me away from whatever I’m doing and sit me on the couch. Most of the time that is as far as it goes. You just want me sitting next to you. You remind me in your own way to take a break. You amaze me every day with your resilience. Your dedication to keep trying until perfection. Many of our hard times are you becoming frustrated with something you are trying to do or working on but don’t have the answer yet. Like somehow you failed. The anxiety takes over. You get overwhelmed. It breaks my heart when it takes over and you don’t have the words to explain what’s going on or how I can help. A million things race through my head. What can I do for you? At the moment, nothing that comes to mind feels like enough.
So, I sit there with my arms wrapped around you holding you through the frustration, the tears, the flaps, and the kicks. Reminding you that you are doing a great job. To take deep breaths. I’m here to help, always. We’re in this together. They say “Actions speak louder than words” and that couldn’t be more true.
You have taught me so much, to not forget to take a breath. To calm myself when something is getting the best of me. You might not have all of the words yet but you show me, day after day, that love needs no words. I am so proud of you. I am proud to be your Mom. I am proud to be your voice. I am proud to share your story. The real. The raw. The joy.
I am proud to raise awareness. Because awareness leads to understanding. Understanding leads to acceptance. That is my dream for you and all the other amazing kids out there. Acceptance. And for this world to be a little kinder. To see you through my eyes for the amazing, smart, sweet, and loving person that you are. I’m so glad God chose me to be your Mom.
Trista is a mother of two, Allayna and David. David was diagnosed with moderate ASD. She is married to her husband Drew and they live in Wisconsin where she works full-time from home. She enjoys spending time with her family, large amounts of coffee and sharing her family's journey.
This year has been heavy, to say the least. We have a virus, mixed in with an election year and all sorts of opinions and emotions swirling around. We’ve been separated from friends and family or lost loved ones and seen some of our favorite businesses and humans struggle. We recently lost Ruth Bader Ginsberg, who once said, “I would like to be remembered as someone who used whatever talent she had to do her work to the very best of her ability”. We believe this sentiment extends to the people who are the helpers in the community, who do the very best they can, using the talents they possess to help others rise in times of need. Come, be inspired with us by our friends and neighbors who are digging deep to find ways to help.
Joanie Jett — End a Child's Hunger & Community Santa Project
Oh, man. Joanie Jett. Do names get any cooler than that? The kicker is, she's an even better human. She is honestly one of those people you want to plop down next to in a big cozy chair on a rainy never-ending Sunday, (spiked) coffee mug in hand for hours-long chats. She just oozes goodness and an unrelenting desire to show up and do her best over and over.
Joanie and her husband own Jett Pro Painting based in Wayne. When COVID-19 hit, they had to shut down their business to keep themselves and the families they work for safe. They used this time to ramp up the services offered by their 501c3, End a Child's Hunger. End a Child's Hunger initially started as an emergency resource to fill in the gaps until someone could get sustainable, long-term assistance. They have relationships with local police and social services agencies and historically they assisted primarily with cases of domestic violence. Since March, they've stepped up their operation and are now an on-going dependable resource for families, hand-delivering groceries to 30-40 families weekly. Before COVID, Joanie would visit food pantries to shop for the families in need. With current safety restrictions, Joanie and her husband have 100 boxes of food dropped off in their driveway weekly that they sort and deliver, sometimes driving 150 miles in a day.
Joanie also runs a pro-bono legal clinic for people in dire need, especially abused women, to receive legal guidance and representation. She assists with paralegal work, including filling out orders of protection and has a group of lawyers she's developed relationships with who grant her one pro-bono case per year. She serves as a calming first-point-of-contact for people who are intimidated by the legal process.
For 10 years, she's also coordinated the Community Santa Project (formerly known as Secret Santa Program). It started as a small project for her and her friends who didn't want kids to go without Christmas, and in 2019 they delivered gifts to 950 local families. In the past, they've depended on bars, restaurants and mom-and-pop shops for gift collection and donations, but that format is potentially in jeopardy this year. If COVID-19 forces more closures this fall and winter and with the financial impacts the virus has had on her benefactors, Joanie will have to get creative with how she accomplishes her mission.
How to help: Joanie's most immediate need is with the Community Santa Project and making sure it can run without hiccups. Like her Facebook page to get updates on the project and find out how you can help. If you own a business, you could also consider being a collection site.
Spend more than a few minutes with mom to 9-year-old son Aury and Art of Giving founder Autumn Pippenburg and you quickly understand she is so much more than an outwardly beautiful person. That beauty creeps through and permeates her soul. Her mind is in constant motion, churning out groundbreaking ideas and concepts that are truly brilliant, and almost always aimed at helping people in some way.
In 2018, Autumn launched Art of Giving, a 501c3 founded with the belief that cultural awareness and all mediums of art have the ability to bring people together and ignite change. Using funds raised through AOG, she founded a cultural center in San Marcos, Carazo Nicaragua so kids in grades K-12 could have access to clean bathing water, nutritional meals, fun and educational activities such as art, yoga, dance, music, English and, most importantly, a feeling of community.
Autumn is the person you call when a community need arises and you're not quite sure who to call. She always knows somebody who knows somebody who has a cousin who can help. Her brain is like a Rolodex of helpers and individuals, families and organizations that need help. She knows who to tap on the shoulder for what, and is equally willing to be tapped back to assist.
When COVID-19 hit and restaurants were forced to close quickly, she helped by taking carloads of perishable food marked for the dumpsters to city of Chicago organizations that could redirect the food to kids who were missing out on meals at school, since in-person school was not in session. Through AOG, she also collected donations and packed 55 backpacks with art supplies and 50 medical/hygiene supply bags for families in need. Because Autumn keeps on top of who needs what and who's doing what, she's able to respond quickly when an opportunity arises to help.
Not only is she constantly raising funds and developing programming to support the kids in Nicaragua, she recently redirected over a 1,000 pairs of soccer cleats from one local organization who wasn't quite sure what to do with them to a group in Africa, and she's helping bridge the gap between local charity organizations and community outreach initiatives to ensure kids have school and art supplies during remote learning.
How to help: Tax-deductible donations can be made to Art of Giving. If you find yourself with extra art or school supplies, food or clothing items, Autumn is always willing to find those items a new home as well. Just reach out via her contact information found on Art of Giving's website.
Brett Nicholas, Chief of Play & Learning — DuPage Children’s Museum
Brett Nicholas
After 16 years in museum-based education and time spent as a middle school science teacher, Brett Nicholas has a pretty sweet job title at DuPage Children’s Museum that might leave you questioning your own career choices, wondering why you didn’t shadow his path. Chief of Play and Learning. Sounds like all fun and games, but it’s actually a big responsibility to shoulder at a much-loved, STEAM-based organization that’s focused on servicing all members of the community in a way that’s educational, equitable and accessible.
Much like many of us, COVID-19 planting itself in our lives this year necessitated Brett working from home for the first time in his career. State guidelines restricting use of interactive exhibits has made it impossible for hands-on museums like DuPage Children’s Museum to return to being fully operational. His co-workers are now his wife, who’s also an educator, and three-year-old son Arthur. This temporary change-up has given him the opportunity to see close-up the obstacles caregivers and stay-at-home parents face keeping young kids engaged, challenged and developing a life-long interest in learning.
Brett has used this opportunity to reenvision long-standing activities and created new ways to support families. One such activity is the popular annual Touch-a-Truck event. Typically, visitors get right up next to land, water and air vehicles, sometimes even sitting in them. That being deemed unsafe mandated a rethinking of the event. Trucks needing to be separated from the audience meant they could actually show off in a transportation zoo format. The front-end loader was lifting up its scoops, the highly technical garbage truck was impressing with its movements. Brett and his team figured out a way to make the event just as, if not more, exciting in a way that eliminated touchpoints, allowed for social distancing and kept the learning and play aspect on full display.
The Museum also developed Parent Playshop, an adults-only virtual program that helps parents, who are playing a more rigorous role than ever in education, understand early childhood development. The program is meant to give parents context on what might be going on in the brain of a young child, and provide tips on modeling behavior, how to talk through emotions and issues and addresses specific age-appropriate needs.
The remote-learning format of the school year brought about a complex set of challenges, so DuPage Children's Museum, with Brett at the controls, responded by creating a variety of STEM Labs and took their popular in-house Arts & Maker programming virtual to help fill the afternoon with engaging activities that spark curiosity.
DuPage Children's Museum surveyed the community early on in the pandemic to help identify needs and continues to answer the call in ways that are unique, creative and impactful. Thank you to Brett and his team, some who are using their perspective as parents to drive evolving content, for their on-going commitment to the museum's mission of encouraging kids to become resilient, innovative, life-long learners
How to help: Small neighborhood-based museums like DuPage Children’s Museum exist all throughout our city. They rely on in-person visits and their relationships with schools and other organizations that service kids who utilize their programming and expertise to remain open and for funding the development of content. We’d venture to guess that most of us don’t fully understand the impacts they have on our kids and how far-reaching their work actually is, but they are irreplaceable. Please consider purchasing family memberships or making a donation to your favorite to ensure they come out on the other side of COVID-19 shutdowns.
Halle Frances Quezada Rasmussen — West Ridge Community Response Team
Halle was hesitant to chat about what's she's been doing to help since the start of COVID-19 because she really believes this isn't a story about her, it's the story of a large number of West Ridge community members who came together to tackle a crisis. She's just one important piece of a very beautiful puzzle. That being said, she agreed to be the humble spokesperson for this inspiring group.
The West Ridge Community Response Team launched on March 18 as a platform for neighbors to give and receive help. One of their first steps was to utilize a texting service to make a call-out to 10,000 people offering assistance in 7 different languages. From that message, they not only received requests for assistance, but offers of support that expanded their team. They created a hotline that operates in 7 languages where they receive requests for things like diapers, formula, food, job support, and guidance in understanding the availability of resources and services. The team launched a Facebook page to communicate with followers on the needs of neighbors, disseminate information they've received on events, activities, free or low-cost resources and conduct giveaways to encourage donations. They have volunteers who make twice-weekly food deliveries, make masks, operate their hotline, translate messages. Their goal is to address acute needs, be an emergency first-point-of-contact resource that hands off to more established agencies who can offer more sustainable support.
One of the biggest issues the team faced is a lot of resources typically available were also hit by COVID-19. Fundraisers and other generators of cash flow were halted. Job fairs and workshops that typically help those in need, especially immigrants, were canceled or moved to virtual models, creating access inequity. It took a while to begin to remedy those issues, but public schools and refugee stores have increasingly provided access to technology.
All donations made to the West Ridge Community Response Team are made through Life Quilt Foundation, a 501c3 founded in 2010 by a group of family and friends who believed every child was entitled to free basic education and poverty and lack of resources was not an acceptable barrier. When needs arise, they are usually able to respond with physical donations of the items. When they aren't able to do that, they utilize the $30,000+ they've raised via donations to address the needs of the 500 families they've supported thus far.
This team mobilized and responded remarkably fast to the pandemic. But they don't see this as a group that will disband once COVID-19 is in the rearview mirror. They know if they keep the engine at least a hum, the speed at which they can respond will be must greater if a far-reaching crisis happens again in the future. They will use it as a vessel to keep their community connected,
How to help: Follow the West Ridge Community Response Team Facebook page to get updates on ways you can give or receive assistance. You can also call their hotline at 773-888-0469. The team works a lot with State Senator Ram Villivolum and he has an excellent COVID-19 community resource page, as well.
Amber White
When Illinois COVID restrictions kicked in, Naperville resident Amber White, mom to Elliana (11) and LJ (3), was in the middle of everyone’s most favorite time of year: Girl Scout cookie-selling season. Her troop was no longer able to set up booths in front of storefronts, nor did it make sense to continue their door-to-door operation. This meant she had just under 200 boxes of Girl Scout cookies lingering around the house. Elliana gave Amber the idea to donate the remaining cookies to frontline workers at Naperville’s Edward Hospital. Utilizing her Facebook page and the Nextdoor app, Amber made a call-out to friends, family and neighbors and the response was overwhelming. She was able to procure cookies from 3 additional troops and not only fulfill personal orders, but donations to the hospital. With the cookie drop, the troop also delivered 30 get well cards for isolated COVID patients.
COVID initiated big changes for Amber’s family. Having a toddler at home meant in order for both parents to work, they would need to line up childcare. As a family, they decided it was best for Amber to quit her IT sales job and stay home with the kids to assist with e-learning, a concept they support until things with the virus level out. In addition to caring for the kids and supporting their remote learning, she reps a line of athletic clothes, ZYIA Active, a collection she feels is perfect for the stay-at-home workouts we’ve all been tackling.
If you know Amber, you know she’s an incredibly positive person who is always looking for ways to make a positive impact on the people around her. When BLM protests began this year, it was particularly personal for her, as her two kids are biracial. She used this time of increased racial tension as an opportunity to have big conversations with her kids about inclusion and diversity. Teaching them that it’s okay to recognize the way we’re all different, but to believe in equality and appreciate the way we all fit together to create a more beautiful culture.
These conversations spun the idea to create a mural for the neighborhood to appreciate. The mural was of a giant heart covering her driveway, pieced together using different colors and shapes. The shapes seemed irregular when you looked at them on their own, but if you pull back and look at the big picture, you can see their beauty. During its creation, Amber and her kids discussed how everyone is different—skin color, religion, gender, how we look and talk. We’re all so very different and when those differences are recognized, celebrated and accepted, we as a society shine exponentially, just like the collective pieces of the heart.
Amber hopes that the lessons of 2020 will stay with her kids. That they learn that hiccups, sometimes big ones, are just a surmountable part of life. That through those trials they will continue to support their neighbors and friends. And that teaching them the importance of inclusion, kindness and respect while they’re young will keep shifting the climate and culture into a positive direction.
Elena Marre - The Kids' Table
The Kids' Table team has been cooking with Chicago kids and families for over thirteen years. When COVID-19 hit, they had to close their Wicker Park and Lakeview storefronts—but they also saw an opportunity to reach kids and families in a whole new way.
Last spring, The Kids' Table launched a full virtual class schedule for kids ages 18 months all the way up through teens. Using various virtual platforms, their team of cooking instructors was able to connect with kids in Chicago—and WAY beyond Chicago. Their virtual classes have now reached thousands of kids from California to New York and Florida and beyond.
Their team is committed to teaching kids about healthy eating by involving them in the process. But their mission during COVID times is about so much more. Owner Elena Marre believes that cooking for others is a way to show love. While we are all going through challenging times, coming together to cook in the kitchen is a means of self-care— for kids and adults! This is a way for families to spend QUALITY time together and support EVERYONE's mental and emotional wellness. Elena also believes that because kids are spending so much time in virtual activities, it is critical for them to have hands-on experiences. Cooking in the kitchen is a great way to take learning experiences offline! And the kids in the virtual classes LOVE connecting with one another and meeting new friends from across the country. This is a way to make true connections—both virtually and with your own family.
Because The Kids' Table team knows that fall schedules look different for families this year, they have put together virtual and in-person programming options that will work for everyone. Break up the day with a one-hour “Let’s Lunch” or “Fabulously Fall” Cooking Class. Or make dinner for the family during a virtual “Supper Club.” Fall flavor profiles include Apple Brownies, Cheesy Broccoli Calzones & Sweet Potato Whoopie Pies! All offerings are available as single classes or a series.
Do you have a story you’d like to share of a friend (or you!) doing good work in the community? We’d love to help raise awareness and bring attention by sharing with our readers. Please reach out to maria.chambers@tinybeans.com.
Looking for a little inspiration to get through your week? We talked to seven local moms who are giving back in a big way. From providing toys and games to hospitalized children to growing and distributing produce to those in need, these women and their stories are giving us all the feels—and putting everything in perspective. Read on to meet these down-to-earth super moms and discover how you can get involved in some amazing causes.
Natalie Flores
Courtesy of subject
Founder of Nourish LA
As the founder of grassroots organization Nourish LA, Natalie Flores is helping to ensure people in her community have access to healthy food. Flores, a longtime urban farmer, began Nourish LA shortly after the pandemic began, when members of her Mar Vista community were losing their jobs and worrying about putting food on the table. Since April, Flores has rallied businesses (partnering with The Wood Cafe), farmers markets, and other local urban farmers to contribute to the cause. With a team of volunteers, she runs a food-giveaway drive-up on Sunday, and delivers free vegetables and seedlings (so others can start their own garden) to those in need, including at-risk individuals and single parent households.
When it comes to balancing motherhood and running Nourish LA, Flores says it can be crazy. Both she and her husband work full-time, but she fortunately has close friends and Grandma to help out watching her almost 3-year-old daughter. "My daughter knows throughout the week, Mama's gotta go to work," she says. "That could mean picking up food for our drive-up or having zoom meetings with various other organizations."
So how does she stay positive and energized when so many of us are feeling overwhelmed? "To see your tangible efforts create a positive affect in our neighborhoods and in the lives of others is a really incredible feeling," she says, adding that it helps her maintain perspective. "My complaints and hardships are nothing in comparison to my neighbors who are struggling to put food on the table for their families."
Get involved: Click here to learn about volunteering opportunities for both you and your kiddo with Nourish LA.
While lots of parents have been working at home since mid-March, Talitha Phillips, a mother of two, hasn't had that option. She's a labor and postpartum doula and the CEO of Claris Health, a non-profit women's clinic focusing on sexual health and pregnancy. "My days are long—sometimes 18-20 hours," she says. "As an essential business and medical clinic, we’ve been open throughout the pandemic."
In addition to leading the team at Claris Health as they navigate their way through the changing regulations and needs of the communities they serve, she's continued to work directly with moms-to-be whose "labor, delivery, and other plans have been completely thwarted" because of Covid.
Phillips is the first to admit that balancing all the duties of work and motherhood hasn't been easy. She does her best to keep her kids active and she brings them to work when she needs to do so. But she admits, "The honest truth is that my kids are also staying up way too late, sleeping in, and watching more TV than I would have ever previously allowed!"
And that's okay. "I feel like a success at this point is learning when to catch or dodge the balls that are thrown at me all day, finding creative and productive solutions, and trying to stay sane and hopeful in the midst of it all," she says. Hear, hear!
Get involved: In-person volunteer opportunities with Claris Health are currently limited, but there's still a chance to help with the center's Baby Store, where families in need can “shop” for baby necessities (including diapers, wipes, clothing, food, and equipment), as well as with #ClarisOnWheels, a mobile clinic that distributes food and hygiene kits in LA county. Click here for all the details.
Christen Peterson
Courtesy of Christen Peterson
Teacher & Childhood Cancer Warrior
In 2018, Christen Peterson got the news no parents ever want to hear: Her 11-year-old son had cancer in his brain. "It’s always somebody else’s child until it’s yours," says Peterson, a 7th grade teacher in Corona, CA. Cole was diagnosed with WNT medulloblastoma. In a way, he was lucky—this particular kind of medullablastoma, the rarest of four subgroups, has the best prognosis.
Cole underwent surgery at Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, and then Peterson and her son left for Memphis so Cole could be part of a clinical trial at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis. "We had to pack up and leave California for six months," she says, while her husband stayed behind because of work. "The hardest part for Cole was being separated from his dog."
But Peterson's says that the team at St. Jude took care of them both. "They hold your hand through the whole process," she says. "I firmly believe St. Jude is the best place for kids to go for cancer treatment," she adds. (You can see a video of Cole's experience at St. Jude here. Note: Grab a tissue.)
After 30 rounds of low-dose radiation and four weeks of chemo, Peterson and Cole returned to California, but she was forever changed by her time at St. Jude. "When we came back, I had this drive; this need to fight," she says. "I was angry, angry at cancer, and I needed my voice to be heard."
She has given her voice to St. Jude, participating in campaigns and speaking engagement to help raise awareness of childhood cancer. "Childhood cancer only get 4 percent of all cancer funding—it's not enough," she says.
Today, Cole is in remission, though he still travels back to St. Jude every three months for scans, and Peterson continues to fight to raise awareness of childhood cancer. Recently, she and a group of fellow "cancer moms," as they refer to themselves, convinced the City of Corona, as well as her school district and fire department to "Go Gold" during September for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
"We realized the power of our voices," Peterson says. "And we decided to use that power to make a change."
Get involved: Check out Peterson's fundraising page and contribute to St. Jude and their efforts to cure childhood cancer.
Neferteri Plessy
Co-Founder of Single Mom Planet
Neferteri Plessy (third from left) knows firsthand the challenges of being a single mom. She had two young sons and her divorce rocked her world, as she struggled to balance the day-to-day obligations of motherhood with providing financially for her children following her divorce. Her own experience prompted her to research the effects of divorce and single motherhood. That's when she learned that the most disadvantaged group in the U.S. are single-mother families, 30 percent of which live below the poverty line.
To help other women like her, Plessy and Cole Patterson started Single Moms Planet. Their goal? To end the poverty cycle in single parent households and empower single moms and their children through financial literacy, family bonding activities, mentorship, family counseling and entrepreneurial training.
Plessy is quick to acknowledge that while she's the co-founder of Single Moms Planet, she shares the credit for the non-profit's work and success with other local mothers (pictured) who have given both time and money to the cause to make a difference.
Get involved: Find out how you can donate and fundraise for Single Moms Planet here.
Sharon Rubinstein-Litwak
Founder and Executive Director of The Oscar Litwak Foundation
To honor the memory of her son—4 year-old Oscar Litwak who died from cancer—Sharon Rubinstein-Litwak founded the The Oscar Litwak Foundation in 2003. The foundation's mission: to bring the joy of play to hospitalized children. Since then, the non-profit has provided more than 130 Mobile Playrooms (filled with toys, books, games, arts and crafts and more) to hospitals and pediatric facilities around the country.
The pandemic has only increased Rubinstein-Litwak's commitment to the cause. "Hospitalized children right now are more isolated than ever," she says. "They are only allowed one visitor and need to stay mainly in their rooms, so donations like ours help them pass their time." She adds that they had to "adapt and modify some of [their] donations to comply with new hospital rules and precautions." (Recently, they assembled more than 170 individual "distraction bags" to be delivered to hospitalized children.)
A mother of three girls (ages 17, 14 and 12), Rubinstein-Litwak has also broadened the work of the foundation in response to Covid. "We felt there were other things we could do, so we donated over 3000 meals to hospitals workers and nursing home staff, as well as 10 iPads to the Jewish Home for the Aging, so residents could communicate with their families."
With her daughters learning remotely now and everyone home together, she tells us that it's given her an opportunity get them more involved in her work. "They have stepped up to the plate and helped me organize and deliver meals and put together the distraction bags that we donate to the hospitals," she says.
Get involved: The Oscar Litwak Foundation relies on volunteers for everything from preparing Mobile Playrooms to assisting with social media. Click here to learn more.
Here's a number that might shock you: The average American throws away 70 pounds of clothes every year, much of which ends up in landfills. What's more, textile mills generate a fifth of the world's industrial water pollution and use 20,000 chemicals, many of them carcinogenic, to make clothes, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council.
Those statistics motivated Nicole Robertson to start Swap Society, an online clothing swap for women and kids. The mother of two wanted to offer an alternative to "fast fashion," and create a way to swap that was fun, easy, affordable and sustainable.
Since Swap Society launched, members of the online marketplace have swapped over 20 thousand garments. Robertson also practices what she preaches. The self-proclaimed sustainable fashion advocate stopped buying “new” clothes 10 years ago.
To help on a broader level, Robertson tells us that Swap Society has "partnered with the nonprofits Remake and Fashion Revolution, working toward an ethical and sustainable fashion industry."
Get involved: Clean out your closet (and your kiddo's closet) to get started swapping with Swap Society. Learn more here.
Samantha Barnes
Founder of Raddish Kids
Based in Redondo Beach, Samantha Barnes is the founder of Raddish Kids, a culinary subscription kit that teaches kids to cook (while reinforcing math, science and reading skills too!).
When Covid forced schools to close in March, Barnes and her Raddish team immediately set to work to support parents with immersive, learning activities. Under Barnes's leadership, the company gave away 50,000 free Raddish kits (equivalent to $1.2 million in sales) to families nationwide, as well as created a free online resource for new homeschooling parents.
While running her business and homeschooling her own children, she also made it a priority to host multiple virtual cook-alongs weekly for two months—with her children—to educate and engage kids, and created a fundraiser with 100 percent of the proceeds going to World Central Kitchen (WKC) to feed those in need, donating more than $10,000. "Through their relief efforts across the world, WCK has consistently demonstrated an ability to efficiently mobilize chefs, strengthen economies, and feed those in need at a local level, all while making global change," Barnes tells us.
Asked what motivates and inspires her work, Barnes tells us, "I'm motivated to provide a strong foundation for my own kids -- to model the ups and downs of running a business, to create a home filled with love and empathy, and to inspire them to be curious, independent thinkers and agents of change."
Get involved: Discover Raddish's Kitchen Classroom offerings, including easy recipes for kids, homeschool lesson plans and more. Click here for volunteering opportunities with World Central Kitchen.
Watch out world, Barbie is vlogging and she has a lot to say. Through short videos on YouTube, she is giving fans a look inside her world and she tries to educate them along the way. In her latest episode, Barbie invites her friend Nikki to have a discussion on racism.
Barbie is using her platform to raise awareness around racism and encourage girls to stand up if they see a person treated unfairly. The format of the episode consists of Barbie’s friend Nikki talking about the racism she has personally felt and share some stories that may resonate with other girls.
The goal of the episode is to help girls to understand that there is a huge movement going on in the fight against racism, why people are marching together and the importance of reading and learning more about Black history. Barbie is championing gender equality to help close the racial injustice barrier girls face through the Dream Gap and this is one way the brand is addressing it.
Barbie shares, “It’s important to have ongoing conversations about standing up to racism, so I invited my good friend Nikki to join the vlog to share her experiences about when she has been treated unfairly. I am grateful for her honesty and friendship. To be a good friend, it’s important to listen, to understand, and to notice when bad things are happening to other people and to do something to help stop it. I hope that after hearing from Nikki, you too, will be inspired to continue taking a stand against racism.
Harvard student Alexa Jordan could teach the class on world travel and food allergy advocacy. A mid-flight anaphylactic reaction spurred this inspirational political science and government major to resurrect legislation requiring epi-pens on airplanes. Not only has she gotten back on a plane—she’s studying abroad this summer while using her passion for the law to fight for human rights at 30,000 feet.
Tell us about your journey with food allergies.
“I’m allergic to tree nuts and I have sensitivities to several fruits. I was allergic to peanuts and outgrew that recently. While I’ve always carried my epi-pen and checked for allergens in restaurants, in the absence of reactions, food allergies really faded to the background of my life. When I was in elementary school I was anxious and worried about what I called ‘nut germs.'”
A Turbulent Journey
“Everything changed after a recent flight home to Chicago after my freshman year at Harvard. I had a mid-flight anaphylactic reaction to a salad I had brought on the plane. I had purchased it in the airport, alerted them to my allergy, and confirmed that it didn’t contain nuts. The experience has brought food allergies to the forefront of my life.
Within the first bite or two after takeoff, my tongue was itching. Because it was a mild reaction, I wanted to take Benadryl but didn’t have any with me. I asked the flight attendant for it, and they said they didn’t have any on-board. Then my throat began to itch and tighten, so I decided to use my epi-pen in the bathroom because I wasn’t sure I could inject through my clothes.
It was bad enough that I was having a reaction mid-flight, but how the airline handled it was awful. I stayed in the bathroom alone for the remainder of the two-hour flight. The flight attendants only checked on me once and that was to ask me to lock the door so other passengers knew the bathroom was in use! They never made an announcement or asked if a medical professional was on the flight. As I exited, they mentioned they did have epinephrine, which had I known, I would have considered giving myself a second shot. I also later learned airplanes are required to carry Benadryl (or an equivalent), which means the flight attendants on my flight didn’t even know what was on their plane.”
As I sat alone on the bathroom floor of the plane, I thought, ‘This is never going to happen to anyone ever again. I don’t know how, but this can’t happen again.’ My interest in the law led me to research what medicines and training the FAA already requires. I discovered that there was an effort to require epi-pens on flights which sadly failed to pass. I was determined to start a petition to revive this act—S. 1972 Airline Access to Emergency Epinephrine Act of 2015.”
How did your petition take off?
“I shared my story on my Facebook and it immediately was shared. I was on news outlets including NBC Investigates, which helped spread the word. I started reaching out to legislators and it caught the attention of my senator, Tammy Duckworth. Virginia Hayes from her office has helped me be a part of the legislative process. Since my incident, in-flight allergic reactions like when Dr. Mike saved a passenger continue to happen. My story and others are helping to raise awareness and I’ve seen people coming together, with and without allergies, offering their help to get the bill passed.
My goal is to get 200,000 signatures and we need more. The response has been great, we have 177,000 so far. Anyone can sign it nationwide, food allergic or not! It’s imperative we share stories like mine to make sure it doesn’t happen again. Share this petition and call your senators, state representatives, and congresspeople to let them know this is an important issue. We are so much stronger together.”
What grade does Harvard get for food allergies?
“When I was looking for schools my focus was to find a college where I’d be academically challenged and around like-minded students. Luckily my two top choices, Harvard and Yale, are phenomenal about food allergies. I ate at both during the admitted students weekend, and you can meet with the chefs. My dining hall can make allergy plates separately in a designated area, wrap them up and put them in a special allergy fridge. I wish I had found the Spokin app before I was looking at colleges—it’s a perspective on the college hunt that just doesn’t exist anywhere else. The app lets you look up colleges and even contact other students with any questions you have. It’s really unique and helpful!”
This isn’t your first international trip, what’s your best advice?
“I had plans to study abroad in Spain this summer prior to the plane incident. While my doctor advised me not to go on this trip because of my anxiety, I felt prepared, safe, and in control. My program, The Summer Institute of Hispanic Studies, and the directors have been amazing. While I was on excursions, they’ve gone hours in advance to talk to chefs to ensure there would be no allergens in my food or risks of cross-contamination.”
I have translations of the names of different nuts and I made chef cards. Airbnb has been the hidden tool for traveling abroad—if I don’t feel safe, I can buy my own ingredients and cook my own food. It hasn’t been a burden, it’s actually been something I’ve enjoyed.”
A Community Safety Net
“I never felt connected to other people with allergies in a strong way. After my reaction in the air, I’ve been awakened to the food allergy community on a whole new level. I started to see all the advocacy of these people going through the same challenges.”
Spokin is a modern platform and app connecting people managing food allergies to resources including food, restaurants, hotels and more. Users have personalized experiences based on allergies & location. With 55,000+ reviews across 79 countries, Spokin helps the allergy community share and connect. The Spokin iOS app is free on iTunes.
