Charity Anyone?

I’ve spent the last several years working as a special education teacher, a career I’ve truly loved. However, over time, I’ve felt a tug to do something more—something that aligns with my ever-growing passion for crafting and art. In the past five years, I’ve made some major life changes that have drastically improved my world. I’m happily married, we have a wonderful home, and I’ve built a fulfilling life. Still, I keep returning to a powerful desire to give back to my community in a meaningful way.

That spark led to the idea for The Burke Store.

One of my biggest goals is to raise funds for local charities, particularly those supporting children and families in the special needs community. I see a huge need for respite care for parents and additional services for students. My vision is to establish a steady stream of charitable giving—ideally through a subscription program—to create a dedicated fund for these needs. When that fund grows large enough, I plan to launch a 501(c)(3) charity to formalize our efforts. By relying on sales of products people actually want and use, we can help ensure these resources remain stable, rather than depending on government support.

Right now, my store features two kinds of products. First, there are highly reviewed and curated items that I source for their quality. Second, you’ll find a “Local” section offering products I make myself. Over time, I hope to expand the local line until it becomes our main focus. If you’re in the Burke area and create your own products, I’d love to feature your work on the site. Joining The Burke Store means your products will benefit from shared advertising efforts, plus you’ll know a portion of every purchase is directed toward a cause that supports our neighbors who need it most.

My hope is that The Burke Store will become more than just an online shop—it will be a community of people who care about making a difference. I’m excited about the path ahead, and I truly believe that through creativity and collaboration, we can have a real impact on the lives of local families. Thank you for being part of this journey with me.