About Us
How it Started
Blanket Drives
Blanket Drives
The Penny's Purpose was established in 2019 by April Soulak-Andrews, to honor the memory of her mother, Penny Soulak. Penny lived a life of giving, even when she did not have enough. That's where The Penny's Purpose mission is derived from, "Learn to give, even when blessed with less."
When Penny was in hospice, she received a blanket from a family friend. That blanket provided her with warmth and comfort during her brief illness. After Penny's passing, April was home and feeling a chill. She asked her husband, Bob, to hand her a blanket. He handed her the one that had belonged to her mom, one that had now provided each of them with warmth and comfort. At that moment, April knew what she had to do. She took her mother's love for blankets along with her generosity toward people and animals and started The Penny's Purpose.
Blanket Drives
Blanket Drives
Blanket Drives
The first donation drive The Penny's Purpose organized was during the holiday season of 2019. We expected to collect 50-100 blankets, but when all was said and done, we collected almost 600 blankets! Just as Penny often donated to PADS, Midwest Veteran's Closet and Reach Rescue, we did the same. Blankets were also donated to hospice care centers and senior living facilities.
Other Ways We Give Back
Other Ways We Give Back
Other Ways We Give Back
Making and collecting blankets are not the only activities The Penny's Purpose participates in. They also partner with local groups to support their donation drives.
We also donated baskets filled with blankets and goodies to local seniors for Easter and Mothers Day with the help of Antioch Township in 2020.
The Penny's Purpose is always looking forward to continuing to honor Penny by giving back to the community,
Please contact us about how we can help you or your organization below.
Board of Directors
Other Ways We Give Back
Other Ways We Give Back
A year later, April established The Penny's Purpose Board of Directors, a group of local people who care deeply about helping others within their community. Board members make handmade blankets throughout the year to have at the ready as well as encourage their friends and family to make blankets to donate to the cause.
Members also attend donation drives to network with the community and spread the word about upcoming events. April and her board meet monthly to discuss how they can support not only their community but others as well.
Board Members
Founder & President
April Soulak Andrews
Vice President and Secretary
Diane Norway
Community Outreach Coordinator
Tracy Potts
Marketing Coordinator
Bettina O'Connell
Treasurer
Michael Gaus
Blanket Coordinator
Bob Andrews
Webmaster
Jacob Slabosz
Board Members
Dori Milone
Rena Jacobsen
Kim Alesia
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