Have you ever been "brain storming" with a friend, when suddenly an idea grabs you? That is how "Share the Warmth, Comfort a Soul"came to be.
At the beginning of October a gentleman named Kevin Howard visited my shop to encourage me to showcase my store in his new publication. This magazine,
New Clear Connection, promotes local businesses in the community. I have been in the Wheat Ridge area for 40 years, 20 of them as the owner of Swiss Flower and Gift Cottage. I have always relied on good old fashioned word-of-mouth.
It amazes me that not a day goes by when I don't hear a new customer visiting the shop say, "I have been driving by for years and I am so glad I finally took the time to stop in." With this in mind, I entertained the idea of trying to encourage people to see what is right here in their neighborhood. As I sat down with Kevin, I mentioned that I had my Holiday Open House coming up and that I like to use this opportunity to give back to the community. While we were talking, he told me about living downtown and seeing homeless couples sleeping in doorways and how he would take blankets and leave them outside at night for them. Hearing that story, a light went off in my head and I told him, "I know I have at least 5 blankets at home, maybe we should collect them. I'm sure everyone has one they can spare." He thought I was joking, but soon realized that we were going to make this a reality. From there, Kevin contacted The Denver Rescue Mission and The Catholic Charities Homelessness and Community Outreach organization to let them know of our idea, and that warmth would be coming their way. As the excitement grew for this project, I spoke with Jim, the owner of Dream Dinners Wheat Ridge location and he generously offered to give a free medium meal to everyone who donated a blanket.
With the cold weather approaching and the homeless rate increasing, I hope that you can help make this 1st Annual Charity Event, "Share the Warmth, Comfort a Soul", an overwhelming success.
Swiss Flower and Gift Cottage is located at 9840 W 44th Ave, (2 blks E of Kipling on 44th)
Our Holiday Open House starts Friday, November 13th from 12-7 and continues Saturday, November 14th from 10-4.
Please bring in your new or gently used comforters, blankets, and quilts. All donated items will comfort a homeless soul at The Denver Rescue Mission and Catholic Charities Homelessness & Community Outreach organization.
We will be collecting blankets from November 13th through December 12th.
Together we can make a difference.
For more information, call Heidi Haas-Sheard owner of Swiss Flower and Gift Cottage. 303-424-7421. You can also visit our web site. www.swissflowerandgift.com