Two weeks after she had to close her business over COVID-19, Alana Brookes sat at home reflecting.
The owner and operator of Armstrong Flower and Gift Shoppe was counting her blessings; how she has a roof over head, food in her fridge.
Grateful for all she has, Brookes became humbled by the fact she serves her community with a non-essential business. Brookes decided then and there she could be essential by making people feel good.
Knowing she had a freezer full of daffodils, irises, anemones and gladiolas, Brookes bundled them up and launched an online fundraiser: purchase flowers, but instead of paying her, donate the payment to the Armstrong Food Bank.
“It hit me pretty hard when I had the responsibility to close my doors. I’m not essential, but I can be essential in how I make people feel,” said Brookes.”So I decided to do this fundraiser for the food bank. That way I’m not wasting product and it helps fill a need for the food bank. There is also no credit card fees this way.”
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The fundraiser was a success, raising about $350 for the food bank.
“People contacted me through social media,” Brookes said. “Everybody wants to help do what they can from their homes.”
Brookes is planning a similar event in the very near future with leftover plants at her store. You can watch and follow the details on her Facebook page, Armstrong Flower & Gift Shoppe, or on Instagram, @armstrongflowers.
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