We had a great turnout at our first collaborative “Camo Craft Night” in partnership with Treetops Collective and members of their meaningful sewing program. It was a sunny evening full of new friendships forged across the craft table full of seam rippers, panel cutters, and button poppers.
Earlier this Summer, [HAS HEART] started asking the West Michigan community to donate their battle dress uniforms (BDUs) and other military-issued items to be repurposed into bench cushions and staff aprons in the Coffee Shop. Through a local partnership with Sheldon Cleaners, all of these uniforms have been collected, cleaned, and folded.
Even with all the progress we were able to make together, we still have PLENTY of uniforms yet to go. If you missed out this time and would be interested in participating in our next Camo Craft Night, please CONTACT US to be added to our volunteer list.
If we’re so fortunate next time, we hope to have more small bites of authentic Afghan food made by a special member of Treetops Collective’s refugee program. who now calls West Michigan home after having to flee during the fall of Kabul two years ago.
We appreciate NBC WoodTV8 for coming out to preview the [HAS HEART] Coffee Shop and highlight our friends at Treetops Collective’s incredible work in our West Michigan community.
You can read the full article, “GR veteran coffee shop hopes to open next month” and watch the featured story below. If you or a loved one want to donate uniforms, volunteer with us, or work part-time at the Coffee Shop, please CONTACT US.
After the patchwork fabric is created, [HAS HEART] will also be partnering with Sidnaw Company to craft barista aprons for staff members.
CONTACT US to sign up as a crafty volunteer to deconstruct the uniforms or if you have any questions. You can also reach us through a DM on Instagram.
