This last year has been a lot. Between pandemics, wildfires, and various uprisings and protests, people, communities, and businesses across the U.S. have had a really tough year. It has been a scary and uncertain experience for many people and Plant Therapy has been hard at work finding ways to help serve needs and bridge gaps in our community. Here are a few of the ways we’ve been “Planting Kindness” this year.
Donating 500 Products to Several Hospitals
Earlier this year healthcare workers across the globe were working long hours and putting themselves at risk to care for the sick. For many healthcare professionals, it hasn’t slowed down or gotten any easier. To show our appreciation, we sent 300 Germ Destroyers, 100 Immune Aid Roll-Ons, and 100 Pineapple Lip Balms to four different hospitals in California, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. We also donated another 400 products to two hospitals in New York.
Care Packages for Teacher Appreciation Week
During Teacher Appreciation Week, we wanted to show our love and support for all that our wonderful educators do. We sent 400 products to the Kimberly School District and the Boise School District.
Grab and Go Lunches
So many children depend on the meals provided at school, but with school closures and other disruptions earlier this year, we realized that many children and families would be in a difficult position, struggling to put food on the table. With the help of local food vendors, we made and gave out 1,000 sack lunches at our 2nd Avenue S location in Twin Falls, ID to provide an essential meal to those in need. Whether it’s kids, seniors, or struggling families, we wanted to make sure those in our community were taken care of and fed.
Gift Cards from Local Businesses
We all have those favorite businesses. The barista who knows your regular order. The hardware store owner who tells you how to install the part you just bought. The restaurant that serves delicious and authentic Thai food. These businesses make our communities unique. As a way to help those businesses and thank our employees for their tireless work, Chris Jones (our CEO) purchased over $25,000 worth of gift cards from 18 of the locally owned businesses in our community to give to Plant Therapy employees and issued a challenge to other business owners to jump in and help in similar ways.
Care Packages for Assisted Living Facilities
We assembled and delivered 400 care packages to residents and healthcare workers of the local assisted living facilities. Each package included Age-Defying Body Cream, Pineapple Lip Balm, and Lavender Roll-Ons.
Donations to Help West Coast Wildfire Victims
Over the summer, wildfires have ravaged the west coast of the United States. As customers and friends reached out to Plant Therapy requesting oils and hydrosols, we knew there was more we could do.
We asked our west coast customers to point to the organization and individuals that are on the ground providing relief and help to those affected by the wildfires. Based on recommendations, we sent donations to The American Red Cross, Western Wildfires ($3,500), Santiam Hospital ($3,500), and United Way of the Columbia-Willamette ($3,708.25).
What You Can Do
We have a few suggestions for how you can help people in your community that were important in March and are still important now. If you can donate blood, volunteer, or support small business, you’ll help your community thrive!
Give Blood
With a global pandemic, many areas are experiencing a shortage of blood. As long as you’re healthy, you can do your part by donating some much-needed blood, especially if you have a rare blood type. The best part is it doesn’t cost a thing!
Volunteer From Home
If you’re looking to avoid crowds or just prefer the comfort of home, there are ways to make a difference remotely. Search Volunteer Match to find over 100,000 virtual volunteer opportunities allowing you to work from home! You can also find local volunteer opportunities, like helping young underprivileged children learn to read or becoming a blood donor ambassador.
Leave Rave Reviews
When you venture out to your local restaurant, spa, or gym, make sure to leave reviews! You can give your favorite businesses a boost by sharing your love online. Did they have a great socially-distant dining room? Maybe their curbside pick-up or delivery was the fastest you’ve experienced. Let other people know! Businesses rely on positive reviews to drive traffic and reach new customers. It doesn’t cost a thing and you can do it from the comfort of your couch.
Help Out with Nextdoor
The Nextdoor app was created to help connect neighbors for many different situations but has become a great resource for people in need over the last year. You can use their Nextdoor Groups and Help Map to coordinate local assistance and mark yourself as someone who can pitch in when there’s a need.
Plant Therapy is happy to have met and worked with so many new people, organizations, and businesses over the last year. We’re grateful for the sense of community that we have within our company and within our local area. Although this year has been rough, Plant Therapy and many of our partners and customers have stood up to lend a helping hand and has made the world a better place in the process. We’re proud of the work our team and community has done!
How else have you shown up for your community and planted kindness this year? Tell us in the comments below!
