NEWS

Q&A With Microgrant Recipient Mikaela

Categories:

Meet microgrant recipient Mikaela (16) from Colorado. During the pandemic, she felt helpless staying at home & wanted to do something to help those who are more susceptible to the virus. So she decided to make and donate masks for an indefinite period of time and record her progress on a Facebook page.

1. What inspired you to start this project?

When the pandemic started back in February, I wanted to try to do something to help.  I realized masks would help keep people a little safer so my mom taught me how to use a sewing machine.

2. Other than you, how many student volunteers participated in your service project? 0

3. Other than you, how many adult volunteers participated in your service project? 1

4. How many hours did you spend on your project? 749

5. How many hours did other volunteers spend on your project? 100

6. How many individuals were affected by your project? 5100

7. During the time period between when you applied for a K4C microgrant & when you completed the project, what surprised you? I was surprised at how big companies were willing to donate materials when I sent them emails, as well as smaller local stores.  So many people wanted to help.

8. Overall what did you learn from this experience? It truly amazed me how much the community came together.  People truly wanted to help by donating or offering assistance.  Given the opportunity, people have amazing hearts and feelings of giving and they want to do things to help others.

9. How will your project continue having an impact in the future? I believe more people will be using masks to help protect themselves and others.  Also, I think more people will make masks.

10. How was the K4C microgrant helpful in the completion of your project? I haven’t completed my project.  I want to keep going, and the grant allowed me to be able to help more people around the US.