At Givens Highland Farms, nestled in the serene hills of North Carolina, a small but mighty gift shop named Oak Leaf Gifts has become the heartbeat of a remarkable community effort.
Run entirely by dedicated resident volunteers, the shop hums with warmth, laughter, and purpose. Every piece of jewelry selected, every kitchenware item picked up, and every cheerful knick-knack purchased carries more meaning than meets the eye.
Most items in the shop are priced under ten dollars, making it easy for residents and visitors alike to support the cause while finding something thoughtful and affordable. These small purchases add up in a big way.
What makes Oak Leaf Gifts truly special is its purpose. Every dollar from purchases directly supports the Givens Highland Farms Life Enrichment Fund, a fund dedicated to enhancing the lives of residents by supporting meaningful programs, services, and experiences. This fund helps bring joy, connection, and purpose to the community through initiatives such as the Greenhouse, Art Studio, Woodshop, Gardens, Library, Meeting Spaces, Trail Development, Wellness Facilities, and musical resources like pianos and sound equipment. Oak Leaf Gifts and the Philanthropy Department work closely together: while the shop raises the funds, Philanthropy ensures they are thoughtfully invested to uplift and enrich the Givens Highland Farms community.
Under the thoughtful leadership of Mary Ellen Baker, chair of the Gift Shop, volunteers spend their afternoons welcoming guests with friendly smiles and kind conversation.
Mary Ellen often reflects on the shop’s journey with pride and gratitude.
“I’m so thankful for every person who shops here and especially for our volunteers who give their time each day,” she says. “This shop is more than a place to buy gifts. It’s a place where giving begins.”
She is also excited to share that a new pathway will soon be created from the parking lot, making the shop even more accessible to residents and visitors.
“We invite everyone to come shop,” she adds with a smile. “Every purchase continues to make a difference.”
The story of Oak Leaf Gifts lives on not just in the items sold, but in the lives enriched, the friendships formed, and the legacy built one purchase at a time. You can help continue this legacy by making a donation to support our philanthropic mission at https://givensphilanthropy.org/giving/.