Downtown Salem could see more hanging flower baskets this summer if a new local fundraiser reaches its goal.
Salem Main Street Association is raising money to install and maintain flower baskets in the downtown area. The campaign is asking businesses and residents to sponsor baskets for $500 each, with a goal of finding 80 sponsors.
The project is also expected to include a youth work program. Campaign materials say Salem Main Street Association is working with Willamette Workforce Partnership and Isaac’s Room on that part of the effort, though several details are still unclear.
Organizers have not yet released where the baskets would be placed, when they would be installed or how many young people would be involved in the work. The campaign materials also do not say who would employ the youth workers, what their duties would be or how many paid hours would be available.
The fundraiser lists several local partners, including Willamette Workforce Partnership, Green Acres Landscape, Hagan Hamilton, Anthem Wealth Strategies, People’s Bank, The Holman Collection and Isaac’s Room.
Salem Main Street Association works on projects meant to support downtown businesses and improve the downtown area. The flower basket campaign is one small piece of that work, focused on making the district look more welcoming during the summer months.
Downtown Salem has been the focus of several improvement efforts in recent years, including city streetscape work involving sidewalks, curbs, drainage and pedestrian lighting. Business owners and community groups have also continued to look for ways to bring more people downtown and improve the look and feel of the area.
Sponsors will be recognized on social media during the campaign and throughout the summer, according to the fundraiser materials. People interested in sponsoring a basket are being directed to donate through Salem Main Street Association’s website or by scanning the QR code included in the campaign announcement.
More information is expected in the coming weeks as organizers finalize locations, installation plans and the youth work portion of the project.
Want to help and become a sponsor? Click Here.
You can also reach out to volunteer or donate for the flower baskets at Smsanews@gmail.com
