May Day Heyday: 5 Cool Craft Ideas to Celebrate : Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Indiana

Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Indiana Announces Leadership Transition and Reaffirms Continued Commitment to Its Mission

Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Indiana today announced that Executive Director Dawn Michaels, who has served in the role for the past eight years, will be stepping down effective December 31, 2025. Michaels leaves with more than a decade of dedicated service, visionary leadership, and organizational advancement, leaving a legacy that will influence the mission for years to come.

During Michaels’ tenure, Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Indiana experienced transformational growth and measurable community impact. The organization expanded the development of essential workforce housing across Lake County—with notable progress in Lake Station—completed one Veteran home per year and continued to grow the ReStore into a thriving resource that supports ongoing mission work. Under her direction, partnerships deepened, programs strengthened, and the organization’s ability to serve families in need of safe, affordable housing continued to rise.

“Dawn has made an incredible impact on our organization and the communities we serve,” said Chris Johnson, Board President “Through her leadership and commitment to our mission, we are stronger, more resilient, and better positioned for the future. We are deeply grateful for the past decade of service and impact.”

Reflecting on her time with the organization, Michaels shared:

“It has been such a joy to serve Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Indiana and work alongside such a passionate board, staff, volunteers, and community. I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together and confident that the organization’s brightest days are still ahead.”

The Board of Directors has initiated a leadership transition plan to ensure continuity and sustained success. Information regarding the Executive Director position can be found on the organization’s website: https://www.nwihabitat.org/who-we-are/careers.html

Michaels will work closely with the Board and leadership team during the transition to support a seamless handover of responsibilities.

Ask Us How You Can Get a Tax Credit for Your Donation!

We are so excited to share with you that donors to Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Indiana are eligible for a tax credit equal to half of their donations!

Donors need to contact us to get the tax credit form and more information on how you can participate.

Direct your tax dollars to Lake County, Indiana by helping give your neighbors a hand-up and not a hand-out through Habitat for Humanity's homeownership program!

Call Amanda to get all the information! 219-923-7265 ext. 1304

April 29, 2024

May Day Heyday: 5 Cool Craft Ideas to Celebrate

Happy (almost) May Day! May Day celebrates the first day of May, and is commonly commemorated in many traditions as an ancient spring festival. Cultures around the world celebrate May Day each year with dancing, singing, cake and of course… flowers! The month of May is a beautiful time to enjoy fresh spring flowers, cool weather and the upcoming season of summer.

What’s one of the most popular parts of May Day? The baskets, of course! May Day is a time to come together with family and friends and create festive crafts. If you’re looking for a way to get started, check out these 5 cool craft ideas to celebrate.

1. Scrapbook Paper Cones

May Day baskets can be made out of anything from flowerpots to recycled tin cans. One cute tradition is making them from scrapbook paper. Paper cones are a unique and easy-to-do idea to create cute May Day baskets for friends and family.

First, choose a fun piece of patterned scrapbook paper and roll it into a cone shape, then secure with a strong piece of tape. You can then punch two holes on either side of the opening and thread a loose piece of ribbon between them with knots on either side. Your newly created basket can now be hung from a doorknob. Fill the cone with flowers and light candy for a beautifully decorated treat.

2. Real Flowers

May is all about the flowers, so join the party by buying—or picking—some flowers. Fill a basket with a gorgeous bouquet to give your neighbor or someone you love, because nothing brightens up a room or someone’s day quite like a fresh bundle of beautiful flowers.

3. Fake Flowers

If you would rather go the fake flower route, there are a ton of options to choose from for your May Day festivities! Use tissue or crepe paper to create the illusion of budding flowers on a stick, or hand paint some coffee filters for a unique touch.

If you prefer a more two-dimensional style, flower paintings are always a great way to go. Whether it’s finger painting, watercolors or even bubble painting (that’s right—look it up), your artistic renderings will be a beautiful addition to any May Day activity. Try it out yourself or get kiddos involved for a fun, yet slightly messier, experience.

4. Springtime Poems

For the more literary artists, there’s always the option of writing a sweet springtime poem or letter. You can send these out as handwritten notes to friends or family, or attach them to another May Day basket. Commemorate the season by writing about something you love in the springtime, or send happy messages with May-filled joy.

5. Candy Bouquet

Finally, for the sweet tooth: a candy bouquet. If you’re not much into crafts, and not much into flowers, candy can float your boat! Pick out some delicious sweet treats to fill your baskets and send them out with love. Because when in doubt, candy is always the way to go.

At the end of a successful May Day, celebrate the start of a beautiful season by going out to your favorite restaurant or cafe for a light snack or drink. Enjoy your May Day with some of these cool craft ideas and have a fresh start to the summer.

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