Local florists support American Heart Month

KELLOGG — Local floral and gift shop JB’s Country Garden has taken a special interest in the month of February over the last few years and surprisingly, it has little to do with Valentine’s Day.

Despite being home to the biggest floral delivery holiday of the year, February also is American Heart Month and JB’s has been using the month and all of its business to do their part for the charity.

Over the years, they have donated to various heart health-awareness charities, but this year they are trying to focus on helping some local families who are dealing with heart health related ailments.

Each year they take donations during their holiday sales rush, whether it be added to the cost of the flowers they are purchasing, or just for those who wish to drop by and donate.

“This year’s donations will go to purchase gift cards to help offset travel expenses for some local heart families in the Silver Valley,” said JB’s owner Janice Berti.

This year they have found families (who wish to remain anonymous) that include a recent heart transplant recipient, as well as the family of an unborn baby who has already been diagnosed with a congenital heart defect.

“The family travels to and from Spokane one to three times a week for doctor’s appointments,” Berti said. “We are hoping to offset as much of the travel costs as possible. As for the family of the baby, those needs are yet to be determined. But from experience, we know they will be great.”

Donations are taken for the entire month of February and as part of their fundraising, Berti also matches the total donations received before dividing it up between the recipients.

JB’s Country Garden is located at 217 McKinley Ave. in Kellogg and can be reach by phone at 208-783-0190.