March kicks off Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM), a time that calls for greater public awareness and inclusion of individuals with developmental disabilities in all aspects of community life. It encourages everyone to recognize the needs and the potential of people with developmental disabilities and to provide the opportunities necessary for them to lead productive and fulfilling lives.
Commencing with Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, the 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. family of brands has relaunched its new year-round Smile Farms® Collection. For each gift purchased from this collection, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. will donate 20% of the Net Proceeds* to Smile Farms.
Additionally, the 1-800-Flowers.com® Gifts & More marketplace is featuring a special DDAM collection with products created by makers with developmental disabilities.
The mission of Smile Farms is to create meaningful work opportunities for people with disabilities in agriculture and hospitality. Their work generates purpose and pride, enhances life skills, and fosters socialization. Smile Farms was established with the help of 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. founder and Chairman Jim McCann, and CEO Chris McCann, who were inspired by their brother Kevin who is developmentally disabled. Now in its eighth year, Smile Farms has 11 campus locations in the New York tri-state area and serves over 280 Smile Farmers – with plans for expansion.
Products featured in the Smile Farms Collection include the Smile Farms Heat with Heart™ hot sauce – which is made with hot and sweet peppers grown across six Smile Farms locations. Smile Farms participants gain valuable educational, vocational, and paid employment opportunities from this pepper project. Additional products featured in the collection include:
· 1-800-Flowers.com® Floral Embrace™ ($49.99 - $79.99) - A vibrant bouquet featuring a rich gathering of yellow and orange blooms with pops of bright pink to brighten anyone’s day.
· Harry & David® Tower of Treats® - Signature ($59.99) - This gift features sweet, juicy pears, milk chocolate Moose Munch® Premium Popcorn, creamy truffles, chocolate-covered cherries, and mixed nuts.
· Cheryl’s Cookies® Have a Sunny Day Treats Box ($32.99) - A treat sample filled with delicious baked goods including individually wrapped buttercream frosted cut-outs along with snack size cookies, brownies, and more.
· Shari’s Berries® Gourmet Drizzled Strawberries™ ($34.99 - $74.99) - Fresh strawberries dipped and drizzled to create a decadent gift.
· PersonalizationMall.com® Classic Celebrations Etched Everyday Drinking Glasses ($19.99) - A classic shaped personalized glass great for cocktails, juice, and more.