DEPEW, N.Y. (WKBW) — It's been a difficult year for Fantastic Friends in Depew, a social group for those living with disabilities. But one member is using her skills to raise money in their time of need.
"Fantastic Friends is a hidden gem, no one knows about it. There’s not a whole lot of disabled opportunities, Fantastic Friends provides that opportunity for me to be social,” said Mallory Wojcinski, who's been with the group for more than a year now.
Fantastic Friends holds fundraisers throughout the year like prom's and fashion shows, but those have been postponed or canceled due to the pandemic.
When Wojcinski heard about this, she sprung into action.
“I’m picking up that slack,” said Wojcinski.
She started selling hand-made bracelets for $5. She says they make great gifts for the holidays. They're already having an impact, raising more than $150 so far.
"Someone may look at that and think that’s not a lot of money, but that is a lot of money to us and that is money someone raised on their own,” said Debbie Cordone, Founder and President of Fantastic Friends.
You can pick your own colors and Wojcinski will start making them and ship them out to you.
“I'm encouraging people, be patient! I’m making them on my time, my own energy. Sometimes I don’t finish til midnight,” said Wojcinski.
It’s hard work, but Wojcinski says she’ll do anything to help the group that helped her so much.
"She has a heart of gold and we’re always looking, always fighting to get them things that they need and here’s someone with a disability that isn’t concerned with what she has or what she needs, she’s concerned with others,” said Cordone.
Bracelets are on sale from now until November 28. She's accepting cash or checks by mail at 11 N. Roberts Rd. Dunkirk, NY 14048.
Fantastic Friends is now back open and holding social distanced activities for members. They're starting to continue their fund raising efforts as well, by holding a sweepstakes and holding their annual fashion show on March 5.
