Rachel Roberts, our Flower Lady, graciously agreed to do a little more volunteer work and write our first LHR Partner Corner post for us. Thank you Rachel!
When Trish asked me to write the first blog for Loudoun Hunger Relief, I didn’t know whether to feel honored or challenged. As a result, it’s a little of both!
Loudoun Hunger Relief (LHR) means so much to me.
For 15 years I have volunteered there every Monday morning to help feed our food-insecure neighbors. So much appreciation is given to our volunteers from our clients, and many times we are thanked and a blessing added when they receive their food.
I’m always amazed at the number of people who have never heard of LHR. For this reason, I started my flower stand at the end of my driveway. I wanted a way to bring awareness to my friends and neighbors, as well as the drivers on Edwards Ferry Road. This is the 8th season of my fund raising efforts.
It all started with my love of flowers and the abundance of my gardens. Often I took flowers to friends and shops, gave them as gifts, and offered them just to brighten someone’s day! I began saving Mason jars many months before I got the nerve to put up my table with offerings of fresh flowers. My husband
would say “what are you going to do with all of those jars?” I would answer “you’ll see!” The first day came, and I was so thrilled that people actually stopped and donated. I was so proud to donate $50.00 that week!
As the years have gone by, I feel certain my mission of awareness has been accomplished. While I still get many single one dollar bills in my donation box, I am often surprised by checks of varying amounts. Everyone that writes a check to LHR receives a hand-written thank you note from me. This assures them
I have received their check and gives me the opportunity to personally thank them. I proudly turn in donations every Monday morning.
I hope everyone reading this will stop by Edwards Ferry Road and see what I’m talking about. Go ahead and write a check…everybody loves a little snail mail!
p.s. Nearly $75,000 has been donated thanks to flowers. My gardens are gardens of food!
