For the first time since its establishment in 1997, the Hardwig House is opening its doors to the public with a Christmas arts and crafts sale.
“Several different varieties of handmade crafts will be offered,” said Mary Deneffe, Hardwig House coordinator.
The Hardwig House, located at 803 Ninth Street, serves as a clubhouse for people ages 18 and up who have been diagnosed with a mental illness and/or traumatic brain injury. The clubhouse offers a homelike setting to provide members with support, to improve their self-esteem, and to enhance their quality of life in the community.
Deneffe explained that by hosting the craft sale at the house, members of the community will have a chance to clear up some misconceptions they may have about what the Hardwig House is.
“We believe there are people that misunderstand the purpose of the house,” Deneffe noted. “We just want to get the word out about who we are and what we do. We hope this sale will help do just that.”
Members have been busy working on craft items since Thanksgiving both at the Hardwig House and at their homes.
“There will be a little bit of everything,” Deneffe said.
“We’re very excited about this sale,” Deneffe continued. Those who attend will also have the chance to win a door prize.
“Our clients are both nervous and excited about (the sale),” said Ashley Ellison-Smith, assistant coordinator of the Hardwig House.
Proceeds from the sale will go back into the Hardwig House which is funded by Koochiching County Community Services, but relies on donations and fundraisers for member activities.
“We hope that when people come here and shop that they will see what a great place this is,” Deneffe concluded. “We want to make the Hardwig House part of the community rather than an isolated place.”
The Christmas arts and crafts sale will be at the Hardwig House from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. today and Thursday. For more information, call the Hardwig House at 283-5571 or 240-1084 or search it on Facebook.
