When Brenden Shannon learned about the Autumn Leaves Veterans Day Care Package Drive, he became a man on a mission. The new Director of Sales and Marketing at Autumn Leaves of The Woodlands is a veteran himself, and knows first-hand how good it is to get a package from “back home.” So Brenden took The Woodlands’ care package drive into overdrive. Brenden approached the local Walmart’s store manager requesting permission for Autumn Leaves employees to ask customers to buy a small item to donate to the drive for a couple of hours on a Saturday. The store manager, also a veteran, agreed.
The race was on! Brenden rallied the troops – among them Nicole Gasaway, Regional Director of Sales and Marketing; David Melton, Life Engagement Manager; and Teylar Wegner-Wheeler, Life Engagement Specialist. Armed with posters, easels, flyers, and smiling faces, Brenden and team greeted Walmart shoppers, introduced themselves and Autumn Leaves, and asked for support.
The people of The Woodlands responded – in grand style. Although the drive was planned from 10 a.m. to noon, the store manager extended the campaign twice! When the Autumn Leaves team packed up at 4 p.m., Walmart made an overhead announcement every 10 minutes until 10 p.m. letting shoppers know about the Autumn Leaves drive.
By 6:30 p.m., Autumn Leaves of The Woodlands had collected $4,568.93 in donated items and $217 in cash to purchase additional items – exceeding all expectations by miles! (And the final tallies aren’t yet in –Walmart was still calling Monday morning with additional donations!)
Way to go, Team! What a spectacular show of service and honor for all who served!
If you would like to donate to our Veterans Day Care Package Drive, visit your local Autumn Leaves community and look for the drop off baskets located inside! For a list of requested items, click here.
[slideshow_deploy id=’7870′]
