BETTENDORF, Iowa — Wallace's Garden Center in Bettendorf is asking for the community's help on a donation campaign this holiday season.
For years, the garden center has gotten Christmas trees from Ashe County, North Carolina, which was hit hard by Hurricane Helene. To help, Wallace's has lowered its tree prices and is asking customers to make an optional $5 donation. Every donation, whether it's $1, $25 or more, will be matched by Wallace's.
100% of all the donations will be sent directly to two Ashe County organizations: the Ashe County Food Pantry and Samaritan's Purse.
“These organizations are on the ground in Ashe County, providing essential resources to families rebuilding their lives,” Wallace’s President Kate Terrell said in a press release. “As we bring Fraser Firs into our homes, it’s only fitting that we give back to the community that has nurtured these beautiful trees.”
Ashe County has long been one of the top Christmas tree counties in the U.S. Its cool climate, 3000-foot elevation and ample rainfall create ideal conditions for growing the trees. Of the 50 million Fraser Firs grown in North Carolina each year, 20 million come from Ashe County. It's estimated 1,600 trees can be planted on each acre.
Customers at Wallace's can also bring new or gently used blankets to the store throughout the holiday season. It's a drop-off location for the Bettendorf Rotary Blanket drive. This year, the goal is to collect more than 4,000 blankets to send out to local non-profits and charitable organizations. Twin sizes and 'couch blankets' are most needed.
You can also donate online to the blanket drive. A $10 donation will buy one new twin blanket. You can do so, here.
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