Difference Makers

Michael Skaleris normally uses his passion for woodworking to make handmade crafts and toys. He has shifted his focus to handcrafting wooden flags in support of local law enforcement and public service workers. 

Owner Stephen Weiss said the store has provided this service since the Great Recession in 2008. “We've been a part of the community for a long time, and it's something that we can do to help,” he said.

The charity event, called “Merry Moh-Mas,” was in memory of former employee Mohammad Musleh, who died during summer 2019. It yielded hundreds of Christmas presents and more than $1,300 for local children in need last Friday. 

Share Coats officially became a nonprofit organization in August, but Megan Wagner-Buckley said she and her family have collected coats since 2016 when East Palestine Middle School asked the public to donate coats for students. 

Sarah Lowry, who grew up in Hubbard, spent almost six years working for U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown as a Northeast Ohio regional representative after graduating from Youngstown State University. She took on the partnership role in 2018. 

Apocalyptic Lovers will donate some royalties to MusiCares, which was organized by the Grammys to provide a financial safety net and resources for folks in the music industry during times of need. 

Apple Breast Cancer Warrior Foundation raised more than $5,500 through its Monster Bash and Dance for a Cure events. Additionally, the organization collaborated with local businesses, such as Magic Tree Pub & Eatery, Grey Boutique and Creekside Health and Fitness, for fundraisers. 

“I didn't really want to make profits off of what I do because it was just [for fun]. But then I realized that I can actually, you know, make these and use those profits toward helping others,” Christa Franklin, owner of Once Upon a Time Art Line, said.

Organized by Jess Irwin and Katy Haybarger, the group hosts a monthly brunch at a local eatery while supporting a variety of local charities and small businesses.  It will celebrate its first anniversary Oct. 24 with its first in-person event since February. 

On the “Kind Hearts, Blessed Souls” page, users can either post in the group and ask for assistance, or choose to “bless” someone else under one condition — money cannot be exchanged. All items must be donated.