Don's Florist owner wants help showing a little kindness
By Matthew Whittle
Published in News on December 8, 2010 1:46 PM
Patti Worley, wife of Don's Florist namesake Don Worley, is looking to show a little kindness to those who are down on their luck in Wayne County, and she's hoping that people will join her in her new effort.
She explained that working in a florist shop, as well as dealing with her husband's illness and serving as her father's caregiver, she has had an opportunity to see how much some people are hurting, especially with the economy still struggling and good jobs hard to find.
"I'm talking about the in-between people, the people who are hardworking but just need a little bit of help -- the people who are busting their butts to make a living, but who just need a little extra push to get them over the hump," she said. "There are a lot of people in Wayne County who need help."
And it's these people, especially children, teenagers and senior citizens that she's trying to reach with her project, which is simple, she said.
All she's doing is collecting items. For children, she's collecting toys or clothes. For teens, she's collecting gift cards, clothes and age-appropriate toy type items -- especiall important, she said, "because teenagers are always forgotten. You can't just get them a cute babydoll." And for senior citizens, she's looking for "anything your parents might enjoy or need," such as portable heaters, fans, socks, blankets and more.
"I was talking to a 3HC nurse, and she told me that you'd be surprised how much a pair of socks can mean to somebody," Mrs. Worley said. "It doesn't have to be an expensive item. It's the thought, and three or four bucks here and there really can make a big difference in people's lives."
And as items are collected, she explained, she's working with such agencies as WAGES through its Meals-on-Wheels and children's programs, the Partnership For Children, and other area non-profits and churches to identify people who might need a little something extra and provide that to them. For example, she said, if Meals-on-Wheels knows a homebound resident who needs a blanket or a pair of socks, then she her goal is to be able to provide those.
"There are so many people out there who need a little kindness, a little compassion, a little friendship," she said.
And not just at Christmas.
She plans to continue collecting items throughout the year, giving them to the organizations to disperse as they are needed.
"I will collect as long as people bring things in. I can see that they get to the right locations," she said.
She is asking that all items be either new or very gently used. Items can be dropped off at the store during business hours at 506 N. Spence Ave. For more information, call Mrs. Worley at Don's Florist at 778-6638.