Farmingdale Florist Bringing Christmas Cheer To Family In Need

FARMINGDALE, NY — A Farmingdale florist has taken it upon herself to put out a Santa's mailbox in front of her 316 Main St. storefront each year. Usually, kids put letters in the box, and Jeanette Zimmerman-Schmidt chooses one to receive a gift off their list. However, this year, the owner of Flower Shop of Farmingdale received a special letter.

A father who is disabled and has teenage daughters ages 13 and 16 submitted a letter asking for any help that could be offered. Among the gifts on the wishlist were food and sweatpants; XXL for the father and XL for the girls. The family lives in Farmingdale, according to Zimmerman-Schmidt. The florist plans to donate new clothes and Stop & Shop gift cards, but she asked for extra contributions from the community.

"It is so important to me to help a needy family," Zimmerman-Schmidt told Patch. "God has blessed me with an amazing, abundant life and I feel this is showing a form of gratitude for all we have, to be able to help someone in need, because we're able. It makes your heart feel good! I just keep thinking about how it would feel if I was a single parent that needed some help and then someone came with all the things I needed ... It would be such a blessing!"

Donations are being collected at the store itself. Zimmerman-Schmidt calls the father whenever new items are in.

"These are the things in life that humble you and make you realize how hard it can be for some," Zimmerman-Schmidt posted on Facebook. "Hope everyone has a healthy holiday season with many blessings. Just think of how blessed this family will feel if their letter was answered because people still care and want to help!"