FAIRFIELD, IA -- One organization is making sure teens don't go without gifts this season.
The African Violet Foundation is collecting gifts for high school teenagers at Fairfield and Pekin high schools. The foundation started in 2006 and has grown since then. Last Christmas more than 90 students received gifts at the high schools.
Foundation Staci Wright, President of African Violet Foundation, says the organization is much more organized than when it first began.
“Truthfully my husband and I just did it word of mouth,” said Wright. “I just got on the phone and started calling people. We were able to help 33 kids that first year.”
Art Sathoff, VP of African Violet Foundation, says the inspiration for the group was that teenagers don’t have a large organization to lean on.
“Holidays are difficult for them,” said Sathoff. “Yes there are organizations in place to help young children, to help families but it seems like lots of times high school-aged kids are left wanting some things around the holiday.”
The group hopes to help more than 100 students this season. If you would like to donate to the foundation you can contact a board member or mail a donation to the following:
The African Violet Foundation
c/o Lori Vaughan
T.D.&T Financial Group, P.C.
2109 West Jefferson Avenue
Fairfield, IA 52556