Woodworkers Build Brighter Days

Building from an idea

With the right tools— a caring disposition, generous supporters, and a love of woodworking — Donny Wilson of Altoona, IA and Mark Frederick of Norwalk, IA, have built something incredible. Their non-profit organization, The Brighter Day Group, hand-crafts dining sets and bunk beds for underprivileged families. "We see those as basic things people need," says Frederick. "They need a place to eat and a place to sleep."

The idea was born following a unique annual event at Valley Evangelical Free Church, West Des Moines, IA called the "Garage No Sale." The church collects used clothing, appliances, furniture, and other items, sets them up like a garage sale, and then invites needy individuals to shop for free. "Donny was the one who noticed that people were thrilled to get furniture for free that was really just worn out furniture," says Frederick. The two men — neither of them professional woodworkers — kicked around the idea of building new, hand-crafted furniture to donate to the cause, and in no time the Brighter Day Group was formed.