FeedsShopkeepers help needy families
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Carol Lee (left), Andrea Rutwoski, Courtney Kapas and Shriley Rutowoski (sitting) will go to work on Dec 9 to make sure Christmas is enjoyable for four local families.Florists, hair stylists, bakers and clothiers will join forces to make sure local children have presents under their trees for the holidays.
More than 10 merchants on Forest Street in downtown Plymouth will donate 15 percent of their sales this Saturday to the Volunteers of America (VOA) in Michigan, Adopt-A-Family project.
The proceeds will be used to buy toys and gifts for four local families, including families in Canton and Westland, who otherwise would not see the excitement in their children’s eyes Christmas morning.
“Tia and I used to do this project with our church group and we decided to do it again with the people we’ve met since spreading out in Plymouth,” said Sarah Klatt, referring to her business partner, Tia Williamson, of Magnolia Fresh Flower Shop. They went door-to-door recruiting shops on Forest Street to participate in the project.
Klatt and Williamson have participated in the VOA Adopt-A-Family toy drive since 2002 and wanted to bring the practice to the downtown-shopping district. “ We believe in giving back,” Klatt added.
According to officials at the Michigan affiliate of VOA in Southfield, 2,500 Michigan families will receive gifts through the Adopt-A-Family project this season. The families had to apply for the program and were selected based on their income and household size. The application also included a portion where the children listed their favorite toys and games. The sponsors and families also have an opportunity to meet.
Lajuane Smith-Simmons, project coordinator for Adopt-A-Family said the relationship between the sponsors and extends far beyond money.
“Many of our sponsors build personal relationships with the family. They go out to dinner and reach out during the holidays,” said Smith-Simmons whose views changed on those in need since joining the VOA.
“I thought people were just unprepared. Something was wrong, lack of proper planning. I’ve learned people are in need all year around.”
Andrea Rutowski, co-owner of Salon 550 in Plymouth believes strongly in community service and appreciates the opportunity to work in a collaborative effort.
“We can do more combined as Forest Street than we can ever do separately. There’s strength in numbers,” said Rutowski who jumped at the chance to help when asked by Klatt and Williamson.
Rutowski hopes this project can spur other Forest Street charitable activities as not only a way to raise exposure for “non-Main Street shops,” but to give back to Plymouth and surrounding communities.
“The most important part is giving back to the community you’re a part of.”
The following shops and eateries are donating 15 percent of their proceeds on Saturday. All businesses are located on Forest Street in downtown Plymouth.
- Magnolia Fresh Flower Market
- Baker’s Rack
- Georgia’s
- Bella Mia
- Hands on Leather
- Burger Spot
- Be Unique Salon
- Salon 550
- Riley Grace
For more information on Volunteers of America, call (248) 353-4862 or visit www.voami.org
