Silk Specialties recently launched a project that we’re excited to share!

Our friends at Orphan Grain Train informed us of their need for product inventory, to help those in poverty-stricken areas start small businesses. We were happy to help, and worked to pack cases with a variety of products, resulting in thousands of stems donated.

In this instance, flowers and arrangements are being shipped to Nicaragua. Often there are no jobs available in these areas, or recipients are not able to work conventional jobs due to illness or disability. These are people desperately seeking to work for an income to support their families.  We were so encouraged by the effort, that we’d like to give others the opportunity to help us expand it.

How does it work?

• We give you the option to purchase flowers and accessories by the dollar value you wish to donate. This cost will be at or likely well below our wholesale costs, as we have offers internally to partially match these contributions.
• We’ll then ship these products to Orphan Grain Train, or other charitable partners. Delivery costs and labor will be given by volunteers at Silk Specialties, at no cost to you.
• Orphan Grain Train is donating the truck and ocean shipping to the country they feel currently has the greatest need. Items are sent via large containers on cargo ships.
• Once it arrives in the country, OGT has arranged with local staff to house and distribute the product. Additionally, staff will assist locals in the logistics of selling their product to ensure help is provided where it’s needed most. Recipients may be a street vendor selling stems, or an ambitious housewife creating home decor items or wedding bouquets.

Note, Silk Specialties is not a 501(c)(3). As such, your donation is not tax-deductible. However, we do hope to grow this into that capacity. Your donation will, however, be matched with significant donations of labor and contribution from us internally. We hope you’re as excited about this opportunity as we are.

Our vision is that this project will provide an essential income to those in need, while also sharing the long-lasting beauty of silk florals that has brought joy to so many!