21 years ago, Patsy Hoffer was inspired to use her gifting to support the different causes she and her husband Bob valued.
“In 2003 during the Lenten season, I was talking with a friend who does something for others during lent. I liked that Kathy was helping others. I was praying and wondering what I could do during Lent that would make a difference in others’ lives. A few days later, as I was making eggs, I heard my answer from God: make your Easter Eggs for charities and change lives with your profits.”
Patsy followed God’s leading and over the last two decades has raised more $20,000 through Hoffer Homemade Easter Eggs for charity.
When Patsy’s son Tony was at Eastern University, Adam Gould was his close friend and they spent a lot of time together. After graduating from Eastern, Tony shared with his parents about Adam’s time in Kenya and how he started the Kenya Children Project (KCP) in 2006. eduKenya was born out of KCP in 2010.
Inspired by Matthew 7:12, which says “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you…” and resonating with eduKenya’s mission, vision and core values which she feels are in line with her family’s Christian beliefs, Patsy desired to support those in need in Mathare. She says, “As the body of Christ we are here to serve others and help in whatever way we can.”
Patsy’s giving to eduKenya started with a yearly donation in honor of her son Tony and his wife Amy for Christmas. Eventually in 2012, Patsy added eduKenya to the list of charities she supported through her Easter Egg project.
“Each year since 2003, I have made chocolate eggs with all the profit going to charities. Including this past Easter season, we have been able to bless eduKenya (our main charity) with over $10,893.00. This year, after reading the eduKenya newsletter, we felt led to also support a student sponsorship. We plan to support her for all 4 years of high school,” Patsy shared.
Patsy went further to share the process of making the eggs.
“[The] Easter eggs are made with lots of love as I listen to worship music and pray for the students, staff and leaders of the yearly charities.
The process of making the eggs is a four-part process. The different base flavors (peanut butter, coconut, mint, raspberry & coffee) are mixed in small batches of 80, rolled into egg shapes, refrigerated, dipped in either light or dark chocolate per the orders received, and then set to dry before packing for delivery. Marketing has always been by word of mouth between friends, family and colleagues.
This past year was a record year with 202 dozen…This is a family project. Yes, they say it is mine, but I could not do this without God and the help of my husband Bob, our daughter Leslie and her husband Sam, and granddaughters Evelyn & Naomi and our son Tony and his wife Amy.”
When we asked Patsy to share her story, she emphasized her desire that her story would encourage others to think of creative ways they could give, as she says, “When I was asked to share my story, I hoped that I could encourage other people. Maybe that is you, as you read this and think of a talent or skill [such as a craft, baking, sewing, yard sale, etc] that you or your family have that you can use to support eduKenya as a one time gift or annually.”
Similar to Patsy and Bob, their son and daughter-in-law, Tony and Amy have used their gifts of photography and design to bless eduKenya through traveling to Kenya on numerous occasions to provide photographs, and for many years, assisting in the design and layout of eduKenya’s annual report.
Over the years, eduKenya has had the privilege of receiving support from so many generous givers. We are grateful for Patsy and her family, and everyone who chooses to partner with us in providing opportunities for the children of Mathare.