The Springfield Avenue Partnership is launching “TGIF on Springfield Avenue,” a new initiative to support local, non-profit organizations.
The program, which kicks off Friday, January 23 and will take place the fourth Friday of each month, asks customers to donate specific items in return for special offers and discounts from participating Springfield Avenue businesses.
Each month, TGIF will highlight a different, local organization, from food pantries and art programs for mentally disabled adults to clothing for abused children and pet rescue services. Shop at any of the participating Springfield Avenue merchants that day will receive offers or discounts in return for their non-monetary donation for that specific charity.
“This program developed as a natural outgrowth from things that are already happening on Springfield Avenue on Fridays,” said SAP district manager Julie Doran in a press release. “Lidia Miller of Viva Z Club started it on a small scale in her studio, and we thought it would be great to expand upon. Customers give to get back, and merchants generate awareness of the Avenue and of local charities. It’s a real win-win.”
Merchants include Viva Z Club, Parteaz, Shakti Yoga, CKO Kickboxing, Parkwood Diner, Puppy Love, KnitKnack and Verjus — and more merchants will be added. For a complete list of participating merchants, visit the SAP website.
The charities include:
January 23: BackPack Pals (a Rent Party partnership) – donate non-perishable food items for kids weekend lunchboxes. The BackPack Pals programs helps food insecure kids in the Maplewood/South Orange schools by supplying them with a weekend’s worth of food.
February 27: Casa – helps abandoned, neglected or abused children. Bring clothing, toys, books, etc.
March 27: Furry Hearts (a local merchant!) – bring canned cat food, toys, litter box accessories
April 24: Catherine’s Closet – a wonderful charity that provides prom dresses for young ladies who can’t afford to buy one. Donate gently used formal dresses. Larger sizes especially needed.
May 22: Arts Unbound – Donate anything that can works as art supplies…..magazines, tissue boxes, glue, etc.
June 26: Local Food Pantries – Bring canned food items. Let’s fill our local pantries!
