Project Volunteer recently honored Owensboro’s Mary Fogle as one of their “Surprising Heroes,” recognizing her for a decade of compassionate service through her ministry, God’s Littlest Angels. The episode highlighted the lives touched by Fogle and her team, who turn donated wedding and formal gowns into bereavement clothing for families grieving the loss of an infant.
What began with two volunteers in a living room has now grown to include 26 women who sew gowns, make beaded bracelets, and create memory blankets. Since its founding, the ministry has donated more than 5,000 items to over two dozen hospitals from northern Indiana to central Florida.
Fogle, a lifelong seamstress, co-founded the organization alongside Tammy Boarman after what they both call a divinely orchestrated meeting in a doctor’s office.
“We just started talking about life,” Boarman said. “I felt so drawn to her. As they called her back, I gave her my business card and said, ‘Maybe we can get lunch sometime.’”
That conversation sparked a friendship and a ministry. When Fogle first told Boarman about the idea of turning wedding gowns into infant burial clothes, Boarman said she was immediately on board — despite admitting, “I can help you get the word out, but I don’t sew.”
The “Surprising Heroes” episode featured testimonials from Fogle’s son, David, and several volunteers, as well as a touching letter from a mother in Florida whose baby girl passed away. She wrote that her “happy tears” came from knowing her child would “go to heaven dressed as an angel.”
David said the ministry’s growth hasn’t come without adversity.
“Some people thought it was morbid,” he said. “But Mom wasn’t afraid to follow what God put on her heart. She sacrificed so much of her life for this.”
Indeed, Fogle noted her physical limitations today are a direct result of the work she’s poured into the ministry.
“I don’t feel like I’m deserving of any credit or recognition,” she said. “I feel like it’s my way of trying to do something to show God that I love him and I’m grateful for the life that I’ve had.”
The surprise event — coordinated by Project Volunteer hosts Randy Lanham and Theresa Rowe — was disguised as a birthday celebration. Lanham burst into a room full of friends and family with a singing telegram before presenting Fogle with a custom-made trophy and a donation to God’s Littlest Angels.
“We honor ordinary people doing extraordinary things,” Lanham said. “You’ve changed so many lives, and we want to thank you.”
Fogle became emotional when reading the mother’s letter and reflecting on her journey.
“You think you’re in control, but you’re not,” she said. “When you look at ministry, it feels too big. But if it’s God’s will, He will provide. Get out of the way and let Him move.”
As Project Volunteer wrapped up the episode, Fogle offered encouragement to anyone feeling called to serve.
“If you feel that urge, try,” she said. “It doesn’t hurt to try. That’s what I did — and look where I am.”
Watch the full episode and learn more about Project Volunteer’s mission to spotlight everyday heroes at projectvolunteer.org.
