What do a food drive and a clothing drive have in common? Both exist to meet the needs of the community. Boyd Loveless, the owner of Nutri-Lawn, a lawn care and weed control company in St. John’s, N.L., always believed in giving back to the community. From the very beginning, he believed that supporting others wasn’t just an occasional act—it was a mindset.

A Global Help

What began as a food drive in 2008 soon grew into a clothing drive, and that effort has continued to flourish. Today, it has become a fully stocked community resource known as Grandma’s Closet, filled with clothing contributions for anyone in need.

“We have been conducting an annual food drive with our customers, friends, families and employees for many years in aid of the Salvation Army food bank,” Boyd explains. “A few years ago, along with The Salvation Army, we started Grandma’s Closet at the Ches Penney Centre of Hope in memory of my grandma, Elizabeth Loveless from Seal Cove, Fortune Bay, N.L. She was a beautiful lady of faith, patience, humility, love and kindness. She loved to knit and give back.”

The Salvation Army is Boyd’s charity of choice.

“They help the less fortunate around the world regardless of race, status, gender or prequalification,” he says.

Testament to Generosity

Preparations for the event begin several weeks before the annual pickup. During this time, the office supervisor reaches out to customers well in advance to ensure they’re aware of the upcoming initiative. The supervisor will then co-ordinate routes for 20-25 employees.

“People come in to avail themselves of the clothing at Grandma’s Closet, as they need to,” says Major Rhonda Smith, The Salvation Army’s director of spiritual care for St. John’s Housing and Community Services. “The closet items are available to the public and usually accessed via our receptionist, who gives out items when requested, or by our community and family services staff from Monday to Friday.”

Other donations arrive throughout the year, as well—monetary contributions, support from employees, generosity from the Loveless family and even handmade knitted items.

“Edith Bishop, who we didn’t know, offered to knit for us at no cost,” Boyd recalls. “This is her way of helping others and it reminded me of Grandma Loveless so much. She has knitted numerous beautiful items, and we’re so thankful for her coming into our lives. There are many people that have benefited from her free mittens, hats, gloves and wool socks.”

The efforts that Boyd and his staff put forth are incredibly rewarding, both for the team and for the community they serve. “I firmly believe that every business should have a budgeted line item to give back to the vulnerable, the community and more,” he says. “Success in business comes from people and the community we live in. What a way to say thank you. It stands as a testament to how one small act of generosity can evolve into something truly meaningful for those who need it most.”

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