WRIGHTSTOWN, Wis. — A busy kitchen before the holidays is nothing for many in the state.
In the home of Mary Ehnerd, however, volunteers weren’t baking cookies. They were busy packing up essential items destined for a Native American women’s shelter in South Dakota.
“We have donated blankets and afghans,” said Ehnerd. “It’s very, very cold in South Dakota.”
Ehnerd’s given to others her whole life, and in 2016, at the age of 77, she started putting together winter backpacks for those who are homeless throughout Wisconsin.
“I have three areas I think are very underserved, and that’s the homeless, veterans and Native American women and children,” explained Ehnerd.
This current batch of items will go to the Wild Horse Butte Community Development Center in Martin, South Dakota, part of the Pine Ridge reservation.
“I want it to go to the poorest area,” said Ehnerd.
Ehnerd and four volunteers packed up a collection of items and prepared them to ship to South Dakota.
“Warm scarves and hats and mittens, and they have a bath towel and washcloth and all the hygiene items, soap and so on,” said Ehnerd.
In 2021, she officially started the charity Mary’s Missions.
Now 84, she’s still going strong, and she’s gotten some help. Over 40 volunteers and seven corporations contribute to her cause.
One volunteer, Olivia Schweitzer, took up knitting hats and scarves for the group.
“Olivia has made 18 really warm winter hats and is working on the scarves, and they will go into our 2024 winter backpack,” said Ehnerd.
Schweitzer and her family make the two-hour round trip from Clintonville to help Ehnerd.
“We come whenever she asks us to, to help put whatever things together. Whatever I have made, I’ll bring with me when we come,” said Schweitzer.
Each hat takes an hour and a half to make, and matching scarves take longer. Schweitzer, who’s also busy trying to graduate from high school a year early, knits at night to relax.
“It just makes me happy to know that the little spare time I have at night can go to use,” said Schweitzer.
The items are a welcome addition to the care packages.
“It’s very rare that a teenager would do that. I offered to provide the yarn, and she said no,” said Ehnerd.
Seemingly in constant motion, Ehnerd likes to use her time well.
In addition to her charity, she also works part time for what she called “a little structure in my life.”
“Today I told my mom that seeing her move around and everything is just an inspiration,” said Schweitzer.
The best way to help Mary’s Missions is by donating money, but if that isn’t possible, she said there’s another way to help.
“Also, good thoughts and prayers are very acceptable,” said Ehnerd.
In her mission to help underserved groups in Wisconsin and beyond, Ehnerd proves that one person can make a big difference.