- Spotted by Ashley

The April’s Army charity shop on Etsy is once again open and ready for business!

April’s Army is one of the largest teams on Etsy, and is comprised entirely of Regretsy members.

During the last week of each month, participating sellers set aside at least one handmade item to benefit Regretsy’s charity fund. ALL profits go directly to the person in need.

Last month was our second sale. The team raised nearly $4000 for an Etsy seller who lost everything in a devastating fire.

This month, we’re raising money to benefit Etsy seller Katie Cowen. Katie is asking for help for her mom, who has been through a lot lately:

A few years ago, my dad was diagnosed with lung cancer. Despite surgeries, aggressive chemo and radiation, it spread to his liver, spine, and brain. My mom became the sole income-earner for the family. Medical bills in the hundreds of thousands of dollars were piling up, and somehow she still managed to sit with my dad 24 hours a day when he was in the hospital.

We eventually had to move a few cities away (we could no longer afford the rising rent), and my mom made a daily three hour commute back without complaint. If I could nominate her for sainthood as well as April’s Army, I would.

My wonderful, amazing, awesome dad died last May, and somehow she’s kept us all from falling apart.

She works 7 days a week. I’ve never seen her take a vacation. She’s supporting me and my little brother while crushing medical debt hangs over her head. Yesterday, her sister called to tell her that her mother is dying. Now, on top of worrying about how to pay rent, how to make ends meet and how to survive with so much debt, she has to take time off work and pay to fly across the country for her mother’s funeral.

My mom has endured more in one year than any person should. I’ve left college to help, but I can only do so much. She needs more. She deserves more.

Even the smallest bit of help would lift a huge burden off her shoulders. And to see that someone out there cares, to see some human kindness from the world after a year of totally being shit on by life…I know what that would mean to her. It would mean everything.

I was really touched by Katie’s story, and her selfless request. If you would like to be a part of this effort, there are three ways you can help.

1. Visit Katie’s Etsy store, and purchase something directly from her. She makes all kinds of wonderful soaps, and nothing is over $6.

2. Make a contribution via Katie’s web site.

3. Visit April’s Army on Etsy. Everything in the store this month was made and donated specifically to benefit Katie. A great group of talented sellers have given so much of themselves, and there are some incredible things for sale.

Even if you can’t afford to buy anything or don’t see something you want, please take a moment to visit these stores and show some love for these sellers. They have been unbelievably generous with their time and talent. And you can always share the link to the April’s Army Etsy store.

I’m now in the process of choosing a recipient for July’s effort. If you know someone who needs help, let me know!

And click here to like April’s Army on Facebook, and get news, updates and sneak peeks of upcoming inventory!

Thanks to everyone for their kindness and support.

Someone really likes Natural Cake Batter Shea Butter Soap Scrub with Jojoba Beads.