Give & Get: Donate School Supplies At Garden Center, Receive Discount

NORTH BRANFORD, CT —Van Wilgen’s Garden Center this week began collecting school supplies for children in need in the community, and is offering a discount on certain purchases for customers who support this effort.

Begun Monday, the drive continues until Sept. 15 at both Van Wilgen’s garden center locations. Supplies collected in North Branford will be donated to both the North Branford and Branford public school districts, in recognition of how the town line cuts through this nearly 60-acre farm property.

Supplies collected at the Clinton garden center will be donated to the Clinton public schools.

“We know that many teachers in our community buy school supplies and other essential items
for their students whose families can’t afford them,” company vice president Ryan Van Wilgen said. "We’re hoping to give the kids in our community what they need to succeed, while also rewarding our generous customers so they can plant happy heading into autumn."

Anyone who makes a donation of new and essential school supplies will receive a same-day
voucher good for 20 percent off the purchase of houseplants and pottery at Van Wilgen’s
Garden Center.

Some examples of supplies Van Wilgen’s is seeking include wrapped or packaged pencils, dry
erase markers, tissues, cleaning wipes, large erasers, glue sticks, black and blue pens,
composition notebooks, plastic folders, highlighters, small sketchbooks, stickers, and Post-it
notes.

Donations may be made at the North Branford garden center, at 51 Valley Road, or the
Clinton location, 58 West Main St. Both stores are open seven days a week. For more
information, visit vanwilgens.com.