Art by Joel Keith
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The Back Story
One of the great joys of working the Toiletry Free Store is getting to know some of our repeat customers. With his permission, we're sharing Joel's story.
In December 2021, one of our very generous donors, sent us a big batch of $50 Target gift cards to distribute to our customers at our extra-special Christmas event. Greg Owen-Boger, Turpin Cares Executive Director, was in charge of handing them out first come, first served.
Joel was one of the lucky ones who'd gotten in line early that day. He was overwhelmed by receiving this gift. Greg remembers Joel tearing up and saying something to the effect of "No one has ever done something so kind for me... A complete stranger...?"
Two Weeks Later...
Two weeks later at the next Free Store event, Joel approached Greg with a gift. As a thank-you, he had painted "Daffodils" for him. At that point, it was Greg who had to choke back the tears.
He showed the art to some of our volunteers and board members. An idea emerged. Why not get Joel's permission to turn the painting into a greeting card? Better yet, how about turning this into a fundraiser where we share the profit with Joel?!
A portion of the proceeds from these cards go directly to him.
Introducing "Candy Canes"
Joel was kind enough to allow us to turn "Candy Canes" into a fundraiser for the end of the year holiday fundraiser 2022.