Mint Hill Pharmacy is beginning the giving season a little early this year. From now until December 15th, they are accepting donations for the Bright Blessings USA Bless-a-Baby program. Jeanette Thornton says the local business was looking for a charitable opportunity for this holiday season. She attended a conference where Amy Cervantes, one of the founders of Bright Blessings USA, shared her family’s story about creating the organization. “When I went and heard Amy’s story, it created a curiosity in me.” Thornton says.
Thornton reveals the choice of this charity was not a difficult one. Like most of Mint Hill residents and businesses, Mint Hill Pharmacy places a high worth on family values. “My family started our pharmacy because we felt like there was a gap in the healthcare. People need that transitional treatment between a doctor visit and their own home care. Treatment is what a pharmacy should do. As a family, we wanted to meet that need in the industry.” Thornton sees Bright Blessings USA as doing the same thing. “The Cervantes family filling a gap for these kids. They’re meeting a need. The organization and what they’re doing is remarkable.”
She is not wrong. Bright Blessings USA has four major programs, all of which meet real needs in the lives of homeless children and families. Their Gift of Literacy program donates age-appropriate books to children who are struggling to meet their academic potential. The Gift of Caring option provides hygiene items, blankets and pillows so children have something familiar and secure no matter where they are from night to night. Bless-a-Birthday gives a homeless child their own birthday party by supplying a meal, a cake, balloons and treat bags.
However, Mint Hill Pharmacy and the Thornton family were really touched by the fourth Bright Blessings USA program: Bless-a-Baby. “The organization collects baby products – which can be so expensive – and puts together baskets of supplies for a homeless mom.” Thornton shares. “I just think birth is scary enough when you have a family, a home, a system in place, and these women don’t have anything. Often they don’t have anyone.” Now Mint Hill can get in on the action, too.
Mint Hill Pharmacy has set up tables in their offices. Members of the community can drop off size 1 diapers, baby clothes, baby socks, bottles, bibs, pacifiers, and much more. Readers can find a complete list of desired items on Mint Hill Pharmacy’s Facebook page or on the Bright Blessings website: www.brightblessingsusa.org/wish-list.
Thornton says they’ve already had such a great response from their clients, it’s inspired them to think even bigger. Their new goal is to be able to pack an entire truck with donated supplies. “There are a lot of things that compete for our attention and resources, but I know some people are looking for a place to give – we say pick Bright Blessings and bring those supplies in!” On December 15th, the employees of Mint Hill Pharmacy will take the donations to the main warehouse of Bright Blessings USA. From there, needs will be met for families all through the Charlotte area.
