With Thanksgiving only two weeks away, the owners of a Throggs Neck flower shop are preparing to help handicapped children throughout the Bronx for Christmas season.
After a successful pumpkin patch at Anthony’s Flower Farm on 3240 E. Tremont Avenue in October, owners Robert Jaen and Joe Imperia believe there is much more that they can do for children, especially those in need.
On Monday, November 7, Jaen met with members of local community groups at Scott Place Cafe on 3602 E. Tremont Avenue to begin preparations for a toy drive that is aimed to help terminally ill children in the Montefiore Children’s Hospital, as well VISIONS, which services the blind and visually impaired.
According to Jean, he and Imperia are looking to collect as many toys, as well as any other donations, to give back to the children who may not be as fortunate as others during the holidays.
“Over 1,200 kids came and had fun at our annual pumpkin patch, but with the holidays quickly approaching, we want to be able to bring a smile to the faces of all kids,” Jean said. “We have selected two organizations where we will deliver the donations to before Christmas and we want everybody to chip in for this wonderful cause.”
Anthony’s Flower Farm will be accepting donations at their store starting immediately. The ages of the children who will be helped range from five years old, to teenage.
Jaen and Imperia have been in touch with representatives of VISIONS, and will be delivering toy and monteary donations to children enrolled in their program on either Tuesday, December 13 or Wednesday, December 14.
They have also been in touch with the Montefiore Children’s Hospital, and a date to deliver toys to those children will be determined soon. In addition, Anthony’s Flower Farm will be opening their doors to these children, as well as all local children, for their special Christmas Wonderland event at their store in December.
“We understand it’s a tough economy and many people are struggling right now, but any form of donation will mean the world to these children,” Jaen said. “We wish we can do so much more, but we know that something like this can go a long way for a child.”
For more information, contact Robert or Joe at (718) 597-1117.
Reach Vito Signorile via e-mail at vsignorile@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 742-3383.
