Maple Grove Student Creates Jewelry to Make a Difference

At 17 years old, Ashley McDonald is preparing for a trip of a lifetime.

This high school senior at will leave next month for India, where she will get a first hand look at a charity she supports. 

McDonald contributes to a ministry that builds shelters for teenagers who are rescued from human trafficking and prostitution.

“I don’t know how to prepare for the brokenness I’m going to see, but I refuse to live a sheltered life and I want to learn how I can help further,” she said.

Right now, McDonald helps by creating jewelry for the ministry. The proceeds from stamped necklaces that she makes goes to help build the very recovering centers she will visit in India.

“I do it because I know it has a purpose,” she said. “To be able to make a difference in the lives of girls my age means a lot to me.”

The jewelry and the trip to India all came about through Art 2 Heart, a Christian non-profit that sells McDonald’s jewelry from a shop in Hamel. On a weekly basis McDonald makes anywhere from one to five necklaces, all of which are ordered by customers of Art 2 Heart. 

“Ashley has such a heart for giving,” Founder of Art 2 Heart Lori Westling said. “Aside from making beautiful jewelry, Ashley is a shining star that proves to every teenager they don’t have to be an adult to make a difference.”

McDonald, who leaves for India at the end of January, says the experience has already opened her eyes. “Two years ago I didn’t even know human trafficking existed and now that I have learned more about it I can’t image what it must be like to be trapped in that kind of life.”

While in India, McDonald will not only tour the recovery centers, but is also hoping to teach some of the girls how to make jewelry. 

“I feel like this is where I am supposed to be,” McDonald said. “Knowing that I could help teach the girls a trade like jewelry making to help support themselves is really a unique experience and I’m blessed to have the opportunity to show them.”