Over 3,000 Poinsettias Raised At Palmer Home

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI)- It’s been an annual fundraiser for 15 years and it’s that time again. The Palmer Home Poinsettias fill numerous homes, churches and businesses for Christmas decorations.

The poinsettia sales are one of the Palmer Home’s biggest fundraisers. This year they’ve planted more than ever.

“$3, 700,” said Greenhouse Manger Mary Tuggle.

The bright red poinsettias fill up the 11 green houses at Palmer Home in Columbus.

“When they first put them in here it was pretty much just dirt. Now it’s changed and they’re like pretty flowers, and I’m excited to see them when they sell them,” said one of the Palmer Home children.

The Poinsettias were planted back in August. At sun up and sun down, it’s the kids who are responsible for showing each plant a little TLC.

“If its raining, snowing, whatever it’s doing, they have to come over in their pajamas or whatever and cover and uncover them,” said Tuggle.

“It takes about 30 minutes. I think it’s easier in the morning than of the evenings,” said one of the young Palmer Home volunteers.

The kids apply to work at the greenhouse, just like they would any job, and at the end get paid. But for this group, it’s much more than just a job. The Poinsettia sales fund programs on campus. Charles … says it’s a Christmas miracle for a place he says means more than anyone knows.

“For me, home. They provide me with everything I need. I’m just glad to be here. I’m thankful for what and have and thankful for this,” said one of the children.

Selling at $18 a plant, each year thousands of dollars goes right back to Palmer Home. Seeing what once started so small, turn in to something bigger, has the hearts of these kids feeling full.

“Plants just plants, being dedicated to plants, a lot of good comes out of it. It’s the small things. It’s like what I see when I walk into to someone’s home for Christmas”.

Pre-sales have already started and shipments begin on November 27th.

If you’d like to place an order, you can do so by going to palmerhome.org/poinsettias.

You can also order by calling (855) 672-5637 or emailing hopegrows@palmerhome.org.