Boy Scout fundraiser to benefit flood-damaged business

Boy Scouts of America, Troop 2, is having a holiday sale that will serve as a fundraiser for the troop while also supporting a Cedar Rapids flood-affected business. The troop is selling poinsettias from Pierson's Flower Shop on Ellis Boulevard this holiday season.

Plants are $12 each and come in a six-inch foil pot with four to six blooms. Scott Loggins, committee chairman of the troop, said this fundraiser is made possible through the support of Christ Episcopal Church and Pierson's. The floral shop suffered hundreds of thousands of dollars of losses as a result of the floods of 2008, and yet Al Pierson, owner, still wholeheartedly supports this troop of boys with special needs.

“We're still re-building from the flood, but that does not stop us from being involved in the community and giving back where we can,” Pierson said.

Plants are on sale now and will be available at the end of the month for pick-up at various locations across Cedar Rapids. Funds raised will not only support the Boy Scouts with their operations throughout the next year, but will also help an 80-year-old family-owned business recover from the devastation caused by the 2008 flood.

“We appreciate the support these organizations give the Boy Scouts – without them, this wouldn't be possible,” assistant troop leader Scott Loggins said. “Poinsettias will serve as a nice touch to your holiday decorating. They're affordable, so you can buy more than one for your home, your office, your neighbor, whatever you see fit, and you're supporting local organizations. Your purchase should qualify as a tax deduction since the Boy Scouts of America is a recognized non-profit organization.”

Loggins cautions that the poinsettias should be kept away from pets as they can be harmful to animals.

For more information, contact Loggins at (319) 981-0376 or e-mail scott@sniggol.com

-- Scott Loggins, community contributor