Faith Lo
Every mug is handcrafted with care, dedication, and pride in our work. But more than that, Deneen Pottery is built on connection between people, places, and communities. As we observe Public Service Recognition Week, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the individuals who devote their lives to service, and how our work, in its own way, can honor theirs.
This annual week of recognition gives us all an opportunity to celebrate those who keep our communities safe, educated, protected, and cared for. From teachers guiding the next generation, to firefighters, EMTs, police officers, park rangers, and public employees who show up every day, often without thanks. We want to acknowledge their service, their sacrifice, and their quiet, consistent efforts that often go unnoticed.They do it because it matters and we think that deserves recognition.
Service Through Storytelling
One of the most meaningful ways we’ve been able to give back is by using our mugs not just as functional items, but as symbols of appreciation. Over the years, we’ve had the honor of donating mugs to a wide variety of public service organizations schools, hospitals, vaccination centers, national park organizations, and police departments. Read more about it here.
These mugs carry a message: We see you. We value what you do. And we THANK YOU.
We were fortunate to be part of a truly inspiring story that highlights just how powerful community collaboration can be.
A Visit to Remember: DJ Daniel’s Mission
On the 23rd of August in 2023, our CEO, Niles Deneen, had the privilege of meeting DJ Daniel, a 13-year-old boy who was recently named an Honorary Secret Service Agent during the 2025 Presidential Address. DJ, who lives with brain and spinal cancer, is on a mission to become an honorary officer in as many police departments across the country as possible. His goal? To serve and to inspire.
When DJ visited Minnesota as part of his journey, it was heartwarming to see multiple communities come together in support. The police departments of Edina, Hopkins, Minnetonka, and St. Louis Park joined forces to welcome DJ and his family. They organized a series of activities such as a joint swearing in ceremony, tours of each department, ride-alongs with officers, and even a fishing trip with fellow officers.
In a small but meaningful gesture, Niles presented DJ with several handmade mugs from our studio to commemorate his journey. While the mugs themselves are simple objects, the symbolism behind them is powerful: they serve as reminders of the memories DJ made with the officers during his visit to Minnesota.
We are deeply grateful to have been part of DJ’s story, and we hope those mugs continue to travel with him as he continues on his mission.
Celebrating Educators Through the National Parks
While we often think of public servants as those in uniform, we believe the work of teachers deserves just as much recognition. Every year, the fourth-grade teachers at Sullivan STEAM School lead their students through an in-depth unit on the U.S. National Parks. It’s a project that goes beyond textbooks, with each student researching and presenting their findings on a national park of their choice.
This year, we were proud to contribute a set of National Park mugs to the fourth-grade teachers as a personal thank-you for the amazing work they do. We hope that every morning coffee with a Deneen Pottery Mug will be a reminder that they are appreciated.
Taking Time to Say Thank You
Public Service Recognition Week gives us a chance to pause, reflect, and say something we may not say often enough: thank you.
Thank you to the Teachers who stay after class to make sure a student understands a concept.
Thank you to the Police Officers who take time to connect with the community they serve.
Thank you to the Firefighters who answer the calls in the middle of the night.
Thank you to the Park Rangers who educate us and preserve the places we all love.
And thank you to every city worker, postal employee, and government staffer who keeps things running smoothly, quietly and reliably.
We believe it’s important to celebrate these people not just in May, but throughout the year. At Deneen Pottery, we’re committed to continuing our support of public service workers through donations, partnerships, and acts of recognition. Because saying thank you, out loud and with intention, matters.
Join Us in the Celebration
This week, we encourage you to take a moment to recognize someone in public service. Whether it’s a teacher, a paramedic, a park ranger, or a crossing guard, your words and actions can make a difference.
If you know someone whose service deserves recognition, consider writing them a note, giving them a small token of appreciation, or simply saying thank you. And if a handcrafted mug from Deneen Pottery can help carry that message, we’re honored to be a part of it.
To all those who serve: we see you, we appreciate you, and we thank you.
Faith Lo
