A group of local residents teamed with a local business to help make Easter brighter for some 300 Rabun County children who are suffering hardships.
“It’s pretty cool to think that all of this sprang up from one person’s simple act of kindness,” said Sandra Glichowski, owner of Blue Ridge Toys in Clayton. “It shows that you never know what a little bit of compassion can grow into.”
Glichowski said the project started when one of her customers, Ashley Talmadge, donated a $50 gift card to buy toys for children in need.
She then phoned Foy Tootle from Avita Clubhouse in Tiger.
“My immediate thought was Foy could bring the little ones to the store and I was going to surprise them with Easter baskets,” Glichowski said. “Foy gave me a list of about 10 kids for us to create baskets for.”
From there, the project continued to grow.
“As we were making the baskets, we received a call from two very generous people in this community that run Amazing Grace Oddities and Robert P. Rabbit. Their goal was to put Easter baskets together for families in need to spend time together and enjoy each other and make this day special. They partnered with local businesses—including Blue Ridge Toys, Cage Free Boutique, Reeves and Wander North Georgia-- to obtain unique items that could make kids feel extra lucky, and add to their Easter magic.”
Talmadge said the initial contribution came from the Larry Burkett Foundation, distributor of the Robert P. Rabbit book series.
“After we talked to Foy and then contacted (Sandra), the whole thing took on a life of its own.”
“In times where there is uncertainty and hardships, we can come together to bring memories that will forever bring happy thoughts,” said Sandra Glichowski, owner of Blue Ridge Toys in Clayton. “Not only will this initiative help families, but it provides a much-needed boost to local businesses and provides precious hours for their employees.”