Main Street Project remembering volunteer through fundraiser

Ashley Tokaruk was a volunteer with Main Street Project before she passed away in 2021.

Cindy Titus says Tokaruk was a valued member, both by employees and community members experiencing homelessness.

“Ashley was so kind and caring to our community members. She wanted to make them feel safe and comfortable in what they were doing,” said Titus.

Tokaruk’s family is launching a fundraiser in her memory.

“Ashley’s fashion closet” is a free, donations-based store. Inside, homeless people will be able to get clothing, hygiene products, and other essentials. The fundraising goal started at $11,000.

Katherine Silver, Tokaruk’s aunt, says the community support has been overwhelming.

“And I thought it was a high goal. To date, we’ve more than surpassed that goal by almost three times. And we are absolutely thrilled.”

“Ashley’s Fashion Closet” will be a part of Main Street Project’s clothing donations program.

Titus says the non-profit is in dire need of warm attire donations.

“Clothing donations are a huge need for us at Main Street Project. Especially heading into the colder weather now.”

“As long as I can keep feeding wood there, it stays warm enough here, so I don’t have to worry about it,” said Peter, an encampment resident, who has struggled with homelessness for 10 years.

He says he finds warm clothing from local non-profits, but when the temperatures drop, other people come to his tent as it’s the only one equipped with an improvised heater.

“I’ve got all the clothing, jackets here. So I’m good with that. We have enough blankets. All these people are donating from these buildings. They donate blankets and stuff.”

It’s people like Peter who will benefit from the support that will be provided at Ashley’s Fashion Closet.

Organizers don’t have a set date for the opening, but right now they are accepting monetary and clothing donations.

Silver says working on this project has helped their family to recover from the loss of Tokaruk, and carry on her legacy.

“We all remember Ashley every minute of every day. And doing this fundraiser allows us to just share her light, and her love, and her compassion,” said Silver.