JAMES CITY COUNTY — During the holiday months, it is not uncommon to find neighbors helping neighbors. This season, local small business The Green Cauldron is spreading positivity and magic — again.
Since it opened in 2019, The Green Cauldron has chosen to give back to the community, with owner Amanda Lockner choosing a local organization to support. After determining the need, she asks her customers if they want to assist in donations to that year’s organization.
In appreciation for their support, Green Cauldron customers who bring in a donation receive 10% off their purchase.
The Green Cauldron then matches every donation.
This year, Lockner is supporting the Avalon Center, a nonprofit organization working to end domestic and sexual violence by breaking the cycle of abuse through prevention, education, shelter and support services in the Williamsburg and Middle Peninsula communities.
According to Teresa Christin, Executive Director of Avalon Center, this season finds the shelter at capacity, with the largest number of children ever being housed during the holidays.
“We have a full house,” she said.
“Most of the time, the folks that show up to Avalon do not have anything with them, so, it is really special that we have people in the community that want to adopt Avalon during the holidays,” Christin added.
After finding out how many children would be spending their Christmas at the shelter, Lockner knew she wanted each of them to be included and receive presents.
“These parents in the shelter, they want their kids to still have that magic.” Locker explained, “I have been through all walks of life. There have been points where I had magical Christmases growing up but, also had a point where I was a single mom and homeless with my oldest child. So, now that I have the ability to do more — I always want to make sure everyone in my community, and at my table, eats.”
“It makes such a difference — for people to feel that little bit magic,” expressed Lockner.
