Editor’s Note: The following information was provided by Whitewater Grocery Co.

Whitewater Grocery Co. recently raised over $8000 in our Beds for ‘Lil Buds fundraiser over the holidays and into the new year. This far exceeded our original goal of $6000. We partnered with Leon Furniture in downtown Whitewater. Whitewater Grocery Co. purchased the beds, and Juan, owner of Leon Furniture, generously donated all of the metal frames for them. He and his team delivered most of the beds before Christmas and the balance before the New Year. We were able to donate over 30 beds.

With the additional monetary funds, we purchased pillows, sheets, and blankets to make the beds complete for the children and families that arrived in Whitewater over the summer. A special shout out to Kay Robers of the Community Space for putting us in touch with Sandra Ramirez, ELL teacher at Washington Elementary School. Sandra was instrumental in connecting Whitewater Grocery Co. with the ‘Lil Buds in our community. She worked with Juan and the Leon Furniture crew to get the beds to the families. Sandra also delivered all of the pillows, sheets, and blankets. This amazing community effort supported approximately 45 families.

Several community members donated gently used sheets and blankets. We also received a baby crib that went to a family with a 7-month-old newborn.

Special thanks to the students and teachers from Lincoln Elementary School and Lakeview Elementary School for their contributions to the fundraiser.

Whitewater Grocery Co. was thrilled to work with community members and local businesses and looks forward to future collaborations and fundraisers in the future.