Planting Smiles

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. — OXXO Care Cleaners® reports it is the official sponsor and partner of South Florida’s Communities In Bloom non-profit association dedicated to charitable giving and volunteerism, particularly for underprivileged children and women in South Florida communities.

“OXXO was founded on the ‘we care’ principle,” says Salomon Mishaan, CEO and founder of the cleaners. “Through the years, we have collaborated on many community activities, including our support for Breast Cancer awareness with the Susan G. Komen foundation.”

He says that, “Now, we are proud to support a year-long effort organized by Sophia Arana and Evely Forte of South Florida’s Communities in Bloom to help the needy.”

Mishaan adds: “We also want to incentivize our customers to raise money for Communities in Bloom rebuilding efforts following Hurricane Irma at our local stores through Dec. 28.”

“Since its foundation in 2015, Communities in Bloom has created gardens at homeless shelters, homes for children transitioning out of foster care, and women's shelters,” says Sophia Arana, co-founder of Communities in Bloom and Our Lady of Lourdes high school senior.

“We have also distributed plants at local hospitals. We are honored that OXXO will support our year-long efforts, especially because there is so much work to be done after Hurricane Irma, but also because there are always people in need in our community,” she says.

Communities in Bloom is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to restoring the landscaping of local-non profits that assist children in need. It’s mission, the organization notes, is to create beautiful green spaces, while promoting a love for plants and the environment in the local community.

OXXO® Care Cleaners is a self-described environmentally-responsible drycleaning franchise with the use of GreenEarth® Cleaning solvents.

Upcoming note: On Sat., Dec.16, the cleaners will sponsor a Christmas Party for children at His House children’s home in Miami, Fla. Each of the cleaners’ south Florida stores will collect pajamas, underwear and socks (new and used) for these children through December to donate.

A Smile Grows! Creating gardens at places like homes for children transitioning out of foster care is one of the achievements for South Florida’s non-profit association Communities in Bloom, partnering with OXXO Care Cleaners. (Photos: OXXO Care Cleaners)

Group Achievers! After a planting project is finished comes a nice group photo of a Florida community pitching in and making their area green and healthy again.

Kid-Power! Youngsters re-planted and worked to help beautify their Florida communities after Hurricane Irma left a mess earlier this year.

Awesome Teamwork! Success from gardening efforts brings these five girls together for an after-photo at a recent event hosted by Communities in Bloom and partner OXXO Care Cleaners.

Have a question or comment? E-mail our editor Dave Davis at [email protected].