Linda and her grandson Matteo.
When Covid hit, Linda Milanese saw how people were struggling and decided to do something about it. Since she was a child, she loved weaving and thought she could make use of her hobby during lockdown. She went online, ordered a small loom, and began making colorful potholders to sell. Linda has been donating 100% of the proceeds to the Food Bank.
“The potholders have been a family affair,” said Linda. “My daughter helped me put together a website to sell them. My grandson, who was in sixth grade, would give them funny names to tease me about my age like, ‘chair aerobics’ and ‘sunset cocktail.’ And my son-in-law would risk his life before vaccinations to take them to the post office to send them to buyers.”
Linda’s cottage industry really took off, and when the economy re-opened, she began selling them at holiday boutiques and the local farmers market in Livermore. Her friend Carla joined her last year in selling homemade jelly, also benefitting the Food Bank.
“[In one week] I sold $800 worth, and because Steph and Alicia Curry’s Foundation, Eat. Learn. Play., [was] matching donations, that’s $1,600 for the Food Bank,” said Linda. “It’s a small difference, but all of those small things add up if everyone does it.”
Linda and her husband Don are also monthly donors. They’ve been giving by credit card since 2016, but even before then, they sent in checks — as far back as 2007.
“The Food Bank needs to count on money coming in to continue to do the good work, and not just ‘hope’ for a donation,” said Linda. “Having consistent money coming in the door allows the Food Bank to keep the lights on and get food out into the community. It’s a wonderful and effective organization, and I encourage everyone to join me in becoming a monthly donor. It’s so rewarding to give!”
