SOUTH SALT LAKE – Change can be challenging; it can come at a cost. And for Linda Simmons, the executive director of Hearts Knit Together, change is also not as organized as she would like it to be.

But Linda knows the challenge of moving her nonprofit Hearts Knit Together to a much larger location is the right thing to do right now as more and more people need their help.

For more than a decade, the now 73-year-old has been supported by a faithful and diverse contingent of hard-working community members who have donated items and helped her assemble thousands of color-coordinated kits.

The kits are filled with the most basic hygiene essentials and some special homemade items and toys too. They’re given to kids and adults in some of life’s scariest situations.

“They usually come in the middle of the night with nothing, but they go into their rooms.”

As the more than 30,000 recipients are sometimes hiding in secret shelters or in other sensitive scenarios, Linda and her volunteers have not one seen their reactions. But what she does have is a handful of heartfelt thank you notes.

“’A big thank you! Mother, survivor and veteran.’ To think what she’s been through. Just to give her a little bit of joy. That gives us the joy.”

So even with the weight of an expensive rent check on her shoulders, Linda knows expanding her nonprofit’s production line is the only way keep up with the profound need of people in our state.

“We don’t do it for the applause. We do it because we want to bring some joy. It’s heartwarming to hear these stories.”

And while change can be challenging, she has faith in the future. And we have faith in her, so with the help of America First Credit Union, we have $1,000 to help her continue to create change in Utah.

In 2017, Hearts Knit Together Gifted 5,700 kits. They believe they’ll do even more than that this year even with the stress of the move.

The nonprofit survives and thrives on donations. Visit their website to help.