Travel expert, Anne McAlpin suggested the original idea for a “pay-it-forward” scarf donation program. The program has been a huge success with more than 550 new and gently-used scarves being donated to the Scarves-for-Seniors program the past 3 years.
Jo Parker, owner of WillowCreek, says, “Our customers are amazing—because of their generosity, WillowCreek was able to donate hundreds of amazing scarves to Food & Friends.” Evelyn Kinsella, Food & Friends Director, has been impressed and grateful. This year, Kinsella is requesting that warm scarves, and scarves for men be donated. “The real need for most of these seniors is for warmth and a bit of needed coziness, ” Kinsella reports.
Jo and Anne created the event with the understanding that many women have scarves they hardly wear anymore, and want to see them used in a repurposed, beneficial manner. Our clients have been the key to making this work,” Jo notes. The Scarves-for-Seniors event is a win-win, filling a need for community members while providing an outlet for others to clean their closets and make room for new scarves!
Scarves-for-Seniors will be accepting warm, gently-used scarves October 1 until November 15. Simply bring them into WillowCreek at 115 W. California Street and they will be donated to a needy senior through the Food & Friends organization. Call 541-899-5590 for more information.