Lori Hoerl, Executive Director
Nassau County Volunteer Center
Press Release
904-261-2771 / [email protected]
December 13, 2016 7:25 a.m.
As part of their grand opening on Friday, December 2nd, Yulee Tropical Smoothie Café gave a very special Christmas to one local Nassau County family as part of this year’s 27th Annual Adopt-A-Family Program.
Nassau County Volunteer Center coordinates the Annual Adopt-A-Family program with several agencies in Nassau County who identify the children, seniors, and families most in need to provide Christmas to those who would, otherwise, go without. Yulee franchisee, Nick Crouch, heard about the Annual Adopt-A-Family program as he was making final preparations for the grand opening and had his marketing team contact the Center with a very special idea for one lucky family.
“I got a call from Tropical Smoothie Café’s marketing team that a local franchisee wanted to invite a family who was having a tough time this year in to the new location to enjoy whatever they wanted to eat and drink, complimented by some Christmas gifts. Through our relationship with Big Brothers and Big Sisters, we were able to identify a family that was having a difficult year and invite them to enjoy their very own Christmas meal with gifts, says Lori Hoerl, Executive Director of Nassau County Volunteer Center.”
When asked about participating in the Adopt-A-Family program, franchisee Nick Crouch, said “The Adopt-A-Family program was an incredible experience. We feel very lucky that we were able to help a family in need during the holiday season. Tropical Smoothie Cafe is very proud to be a part of such a great program.”
In addition to Yulee Tropical Smoothie Café, Nassau County Volunteer Center received an overwhelmingly generous response from businesses and individuals, alike, this year matching over 200 families in need with willing adopters.
“It is very humbling to see the need that exists in this community, says Executive Director, Lori Hoerl. There are people of all ages that continue to struggle with homelessness and great financial hardship right here in our own backyard. Experiencing the enormous kindness and willingness on the part of so many in Nassau County to give back to the community, firsthand, especially at what can be a very difficult and lonely time of year for so many, is truly inspiring.”
Nassau County Volunteer Center’s Adopt-a-Family program is the original holiday gift-giving program in Nassau County, helping clients from the Barnabas Center, the Head Start programs in Nassau County (Peck Center and Callahan), Family Support Services, and the Council on Aging. This year, due to the overwhelming response to the program, the Center was also able to help families and individuals through Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Salvation Army Hope House.
The Tropical Smoothie Café is owned by franchisee Nick Crouch. Recognized as Franchisee of the Year, Crouch currently owns multiple locations throughout Florida and Georgia, this being his eleventh location. The 1,550 square foot café features the new Tropical Smoothie Café décor package, featuring an island-inspired atmosphere.
For more information on volunteer opportunities, please contact the Nassau County Volunteer Center at 904-261-2771 or email: [email protected]
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