Discounts for donations offered by Tulsa boutique

Journal Record, The (Oklahoma City), Nov 26, 2008 by Heather Caliendo

Peggy Henry said she's trying to be a good neighbor. She's offering customers a discount this year - if they help give back.

Henry is owner of Sideways, a home and clothing boutique at Brookside at 1307 E. 35th Pl.

On Nov. 26 and 28, customers can receive a 20-percent discount if they bring five cans of food or make a $10 donation to the Tulsa- based charity Neighbor for Neighbor.

"It seemed like the perfect time to get others aware of what's going on," said Henry. "We tend to get into our own little world and not pay attention to what's happening around us."

Neighbor for Neighbor is a nonprofit organization that assists the elderly, disabled and families in crisis. Its nine programs include financial and housing assistance, plus a medical and dental clinic.

One of its main programs is offering a food store to its clients, through which it feeds about 2,000 people a month. The food store is free to NFN clients through the family assistance program.

About 8 percent of Oklahomans went without food at some point in 2007, said Ann Smith, executive director of NFN. With the rising cost of food, she said that number is expected to go up this year.

Georgia Tully, assistant at NFN, works on getting donations for the NFN food store.

Food price increases have hurt the quantity at the NFN food store, she said.

As a result of the economy and job layoffs, the number of people utilizing their services has increased. Donations are also down this year, she said.

"There is a greater need," said Tully. "It seems like we say that every year. But this year, we really need more."

When Henry heard about NFN through word-of-mouth, she said it was a logical choice to partner with them.

Tully said NFN works with local churches and schools but this is the first time they have partnered with a retail business.

"We need it because there are so many people - especially now - who are having a hard time just getting basic needs," said Tully.

Henry said this program's benefit is twofold: It can bring in new customers and help existing customers during the costly holiday season.

"It helps our customers as they prepare for the holiday to get a little bit of a discount," she said. "It also gives people who may not take the time to give, an easy way to make a little contribution."

For more information about NFN, visit www.neighborforneighbor.org.