ST. LOUIS — The Buchanan Foundation in the Baden Neighborhood has a reputation for giving to those in need but this time the nonprofit is in need.
Rosemary Ray, owner of the Buchanan Foundation, told 5 On Your Side that her organization needs a service van. The van would allow her to pick up items for the community on a larger scale. Right now, Rosemary is loading up her Toyota car to get the things she needs for her community but soon that will not be practical.
Editors Note: The above video is from January.
The nonprofit has recently partnered with Burlington to receive donations from the company every month for a year. Rosemary intends to put the merchandise to good use in her community.
"I am excited because I can see household items coming. I can see clothing coming, cosmetics, personal hygiene," she said.
In the past, when her Toyota did not meet the needs of the community Rosemary would use U-Haul instead.
"I love U-Haul and they try to help, they will, especially around Christmas they will. But you can't expect them to do that all the time," she said.
Rosemary is willing to put an advertisement on the side of the van to say, "Look! Here is who helped me." She said she wants to show appreciation to those willing to help.
"That would be a label that would be on that van as we go to pick up toys, food. I could do so much more. Because Urban League they help us with food and everything but a lot of my people in the community, they don't have cars. So I would take my little car and try to load up the boxes, bring the food back to the community. It's rough but those are some of the things I've had to do," she said.
Rosemary also said she is willing to pay insurance on the van.
Rosemary has recently partnered with Good 360 to advance her resources for the community. She even partnered with Preferred Family Healthcare, which allowed her to watch four people who came to the Buchanan Foundation for addiction support and rehabilitation resources begin to live sober lives.
"The best part is I follow mine because I want them to know I'm still here," she said with a smile. "I love them babies."
"After you're done giving, what will you have left?" Rosemary said reminiscing on what her father used to say to her. "I believe if God brought you to my door, on my phone, I'm supposed to show out for you."
Rosemary said the organization is preparing for its annual "Christmas in July" event on July 13.
If you would like to donate to the Buchanan Foundation you can contact Rosemary directly at 314-388-9984. During this time of year, bottles of water would be greatly appreciated.