2020, The Year of the... Pandemic... COVID-19... Social Distancing... Masks... Devastating Wildfires...
What a year it has been! And as if it wasn’t stressful enough with COVID-19 forcing us to restrict contact, increase cleaning requirements and wear facemasks, many of our communities received a double-whammy with historic devastating wildfires.
Bloomin’ Boutique filled a record 88 referrals in September providing clothing, bedding and toiletries not only to the kids we normally process, but to many families who lost everything
including their homes.
How do we keep up with the demand? An incredible number of people came forward to give of themselves and much needed donations. Inside this newsletter, you will find some of their stories. Blake and the employees from Peninsula Iron Works, Portland, were determined to find a charity to assist those that found themselves homeless after the wildfires and chose to partner with Bloomin’ Boutique.
Carhartt Manager Mark Kastner and local rep Chrissy Rodriguez oversaw the donation of 161 boxes of apparel in September alone, requesting assistance from Bloomin’ Boutique to distribute to the appropriate agencies helping families affected by wildfires and our local veterans.
We can do this – together.
The Importance of Partnerships
Our hearts are filled with thanks for our amazing donors, sponsors and volunteers. It’s powerful when everyone comes together to help those in need. Every contribution plays an important part in turning lives around… empowering boys and girls to become confident, constructive members of their communities.
At Bloomin’ Boutique, we strive to build strong partnerships with businesses to enable us to reach out to a community of givers who are more than willing and able to fill specific needs. From items required to fulfill requests for our Bloomin’ Baby program to clothing for our plus-size kids, our current needs change by the day. We can count on our partners to fill in the gaps so that we can continue to provide for the children and families that need it the most.
With large, social events including our annual gala fundraiser canceled due to the pandemic, we have had to rely even more heavily on our partnerships to meet the increasing demand. Their efforts go way beyond supplying clothing, toothbrushes and healthy snacks; they are instilling the act of giving in everyone involved. This team of generous people fuels my energy for recruiting and connecting. Thank you all for sharing the passion to giving
a hand up to those in need.
Patti Serres, Founder and Executive Director
Click below to download the complete newsletter:
For more information about how and what you can donate, and where you can drop off your donations, contact Patti at 503.320.0789 (pattiserres@comcast.net).