“Each of us has a story - an unforgettable life- changing event making such an impact that we never forget the feelings we experienced” - Patti Serres, Founder and Executive Director.
We all have a story. Some are stories of overcoming hardship or persevering through a difficult season, for others it may be a story of a lesson learned. Whatever our story might be...it’s quite often that our stories interlace, and some of our chapters might be shared with our neighbor or community. In this blog post, I have the pleasure of sharing the story of Bloomin' Boutique and how this non-profit has had the opportunity to impact the untold stories in our community in a positive way.
“Each of us has a story - an unforgettable life- changing event making such an impact that we never forget the feelings we experienced”
Patti Serres, Founder and Executive Director of Bloomin’ Boutique states that, “Bloomin’ Boutique is a non-profit organization dedicated to giving a hand up by providing new clothing, shoes, bedding and personal care items to underprivileged children, empowering them to become confident, constructive members of their communities.”
Even in the midst of national shutdowns and gathering restrictions, Bloomin' Boutique did not slow down in their giving efforts. In fact, it empowered them to become even more creative on how to give more to local families and children in need. In the last quarter, Bloomin' Boutique has collected $58,646 worth of In-Kind Donations, distributed $86,450 worth of clothing and served 247 kids with a total of 1,343 volunteer hours.
Within the last year, Bloomin' Boutique has partnered with a variety of local businesses and institutions to help create a hand up experience for those who need it most. Businesses such as the Embassy Suites, Sleep Dream Mattress and B&B Leasing provided, donated and volunteered time to spread more joy in our Oregon City community.
Bloomin' Boutique also just launched their newest program called “Hand Up for Higher Education." According to Serres this is a “scholarship program to afford underprivileged children the opportunity to gain the higher education they need to become contributing citizens of their community.”
“Hand Up for Higher Education is a scholarship program to afford underprivileged children the opportunities to gain the higher education they need to become contributing citizens of their community."
This noteworthy non-profit works hard to remind us that we have the power to give! Whether it be time, or items of monetary value. Bloomin' Boutique encourages their supporters to check with their employers to see if they have a giving program. Often times employers of full or even part-time employees offer donation matches!
Serres states, “As individuals, we can do good things, but collectively, our willingness to act can make a major impact providing a hand up to children in need….when we choose to give back, others will follow.”
“As individuals, we can do good things, but collectively, our willingness to act can make a major impact providing a hand up to children in need….when we choose to give back, others will follow.”
The story behind Bloomin' Boutique is a heartfelt one. Patti Serres shares her unforgettable story through the use of her joyful logo.
“See that girl in the pink pants? That was me the first time I got to go shopping for something new - something I got to pick out for myself. In that moment, I could see beyond all that was going wrong - the mother I had lost, the father that did have the skills to cope with four small children, the trail of domestic violence, the feat of foster care service looming at the door. In that moment I felt confident to take on the world. In that moment, I was seen, I was important, I was loved.”
If you're interested in being a part of Bloomin Boutique’s community outreach, please visit their website to learn more about how you can make a joyful impact!
