HANCOCK COUNTY — — On Giving Tuesday, Nov. 29, all four Cynthia’s Hallmark locations in central Indiana, including the store in Greenfield, will accept donations to the Alzheimer’s Association, and store owners will match up to $5,000. That means if the total of all customer donations reaches that amount, $10,000 will be donated toward dementia research and free support programs for those affected by the disease. Customers who make any purchase and a donation will receive a free tote bag while supplies last.
The donation drive is part of The Longest Day, a do-it-yourself fundraising campaign for the Alzheimer’s Association that takes place year-round and culminates on the summer solstice. The event is being held in honor of the store’s namesake, Hancock County’s Cynthia Erwin, who passed away from Alzheimer’s disease in 2007 at the age of 72.
“More than 110,000 Hoosiers are living with Alzheimer’s disease – about the combined population of Greenfield and Fishers, where Cynthia’s Hallmark stores are located,” said Jennifer Buddenbaum, manager of The Longest Day, Alzheimer’s Association Greater Indiana Chapter. “We’re grateful for this generous matching gift. It is a great way for shoppers to give back this holiday season and make their donations go even further.”
Cynthia Erwin bought Kay’s Hallmark in Greenfield in 1985 and grew the location into the largest store in the country. She went on to add three additional locations in Fishers. She won numerous awards, including from the Hancock County Boys and Girls Club for donating $1 for every Beanie Baby sold. Her son and daughter now run the business, carrying on her legacy of charitable giving.
Cynthia’s Hallmark locations can be found at cynthiashallmarkstores.com. More information on The Longest Day is available at alz.org/thelongestday.
