Nancy Prester is eager to celebrate.
Next month, her exotic bird shop, Birds of Paradise, is gearing up for its 30th anniversary.
“I have two things I love,” she said. “I love my baby birds, and then I love my customers because if we didn’t have the customers we have, I don’t think we’d still be in business.”
The past few years have posted a challenge to Prester. She said the dip in the economy took its toll, and then whenever there are layoffs or strikes, things can get worse.
Durings the past two months, however, her small family-owned business faced even more setbacks. A cash register and walk-in refrigerator no longer work.
“It makes it harder to keep things fresh and give people the product they expect,” said worker adn granddaughter Jordan Spicer. “Being a part of this business is really important as far as keeping it in the family.”
Spicer decided to start an online campaign to raise money for the fridge and other expenses, totaling $4,000. She launched the campaign late last week and has more then $800 in donations.
“It humbles me to see that kind of response from people because their generosity,” Prester said.
“It always seems to amaze me,” Spicer echoed. “It’s at the time where you feel the most low, when you lose faith, and then people surprise you and show you how much they really care. And that’s just so heartwarming and makes us feel really good about ourselves.”