Brandon Twp.-As the holidays near, one local business will give to customers, receive from customers, and give again? to the less fortunate in the community.
Wojo’s Greenhouse, 2570 Oakwood Road, is welcoming donations of non-perishable food items that will be sent to the Ortonville Community Emergency Fund (OCEF) food pantry. Donations at Wojo’s will be welcome through Oct. 31. For each donation to OCEF, Wojo’s is awarding customers with mums, free of charge.
‘Fundraising helps us to give back to the community, while bringing people in to see what our store is all about,? said Lisa Kemeny, Wojo’s Greenhouse landscape designer and perennial manager.
This is Wojo’s first time taking donations for OCEF. While this fundraiser just start recently, Wojo’s has already seen immediate results.
‘People love donating to a good cause,? said Kemeny. ‘The free mums really help get response too.?
Wojo’s Greenhouse will be closing for the season Oct 31. The store will reopen Nov. 20. At this time, Wojo’s will be having their annual poinsettia sales. Near Christmas time, Wojo’s will be a dropoff site for OCEF gifts, like they have been in previous years.
‘So far response has been great,? said Kemeny. ‘We hope to keep it up and get more donations to this great cause, that really needs a little help.?
OCEF appreciates all the help they can get as they prepare for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday food drive.
So far this year, 85 families have signed up for holiday help from OCEF.
‘Everybody is signing up sooner than they ever have before,? said Judy Henley, food pantry coordinator.
The OCEF food pantry is accepting donations of items for families to create holiday meals, such as stuffing mix, muffin mix, canned fruits, canned vegetables, pie crusts and mixes. Donated gift cards in $10 and $15 increments are needed to allow families to purchase turkeys. OCEF also tries to include some extras like cereal or pancake mix, canned pasta or peanut butter and jelly for children’s lunches when they are home on break.
The pantry is currently very low on personal care items such as shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, toilet paper, paper towels, and feminine hygiene products.
‘Our community is generous and has been in the past,? says Henley. ‘We would not exist without their generosity. We know everyone’s budget is tighter this year, but we hope they can contribute to help families that are struggling in our community to have a happier holiday season.?
Donations can be brought to St. Anne Church, 825 S. Ortonville Road, from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. During mass on weekends, donations can be brought to the gathering area in the church.
For more information on donating, to adopt a family for the holidays, to volunteer or if in need of help for the holidays, contact Henley at (248) 627-3965.