Adopt a Fundraiser Friend
Handmade with purpose. Created for our community.
Paulie the Opossum and Freddie the Fish are back for the 2026 Paul Leeder Project fundraiser, and this year they have received a fun Halloween makeover!
Each fundraiser friend is handmade to order with care by Naturally, MelissaMade.
When you adopt one for $35, 60% of your purchase, or $21, will be donated directly to the Paul Leeder Project.
Not a handout. A hand up.
Choose Your Fundraiser Friend
Zombie Paulie
Zombie Paulie the Opossum
Zombie Paulie has a light purple face, darker purple body, pink feet and tail, and bright green eyes. He may look a little spooky, but he is still the lovable Paulie we know underneath it all.
Made to order: $35
Witch Paulie
Witch Paulie the Opossum
Witch Paulie is ready to bring a little handmade magic into your Halloween season with a crocheted witch hat and cape.
Made to order: $35
Vampire Freddy
Vampire Freddie the Fish
Vampire Freddie has traded his fishing hole for a Halloween night out. His cape and tiny vampire teeth give this familiar fish a delightfully spooky new personality.
Made to order: $35
Pumpkin Freddy
Pumpkin Freddie the Fish
Pumpkin Freddie combines a cheerful pumpkin inspired body with Freddie’s familiar bass face and tail. He is the perfect friend for anyone who prefers their Halloween decorations more sweet than spooky.
Made to order: $35
Every Adoption Makes a Difference
The Paul Leeder Project works within our local community to feed and clothe people in need, teach valuable life skills, and encourage the mindset needed to build a thriving future.
Their work is about offering more than temporary help. It is about giving people support, encouragement, and practical tools to move forward.
That is why their message means so much to me:
Not a handout. A hand up.
With every Paulie or Freddie adoption, $21 will be donated directly to the Paul Leeder Project.
Our 2026 Fundraiser Goal
Our goal is to find homes for 25 fundraiser friends by October 31, 2026.
If we reach that goal, we will raise $525 to support the Paul Leeder Project and its work in our community.
Every order brings us one friend closer.
Why Paulie and Freddie?
The Story Behind Paulie
Paulie was inspired by an opossum family that began visiting Ben and his family’s yard. Kat named the adult opossums Paul and Margie after her grandparents, and their visits soon became a familiar part of the fall and winter seasons.
Opossums may be misunderstood, but they are helpful little creatures with plenty of personality. That made Paulie the perfect handmade friend to help us share this fundraiser.
The Story Behind Freddie
Freddie was named in honor of Paul Leeder, Ben’s grandfather, who loved to fish.
By bringing Paulie and Freddie together, this collection celebrates family memories, community connections, and the difference we can make when we use what we love to help others.
Handmade Especially for You
Each Paulie and Freddie is made to order, one stitch at a time.
Because these friends are handmade, small differences may appear in their expressions, shaping, or placement of details. These little variations are part of what makes each one unique.
Orders are generally completed within approximately seven days after payment. Additional time may be needed if yarn or materials must be ordered. You will be contacted if your order requires a longer completion time.
Payment is required before work begins. Once work has started, the order cannot be refunded.
Ready to Choose Your Friend?
Each fundraiser friend is $35
$21 from every purchase is donated
Orders support the Paul Leeder Project
Available through October 31, 2026
Choose Zombie Paulie, Witch Paulie, Vampire Freddie, or Pumpkin Freddie when placing your order.
Thank you for helping me turn yarn, creativity, and community support into something meaningful.
Handmade with purpose.
Not a handout. A hand up.
The Hook Nook Chronicles shares crochet tips, inspiration, community stories and creative growth.
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