By Kathy Oswalt-Forsythe
Dale and Cindy Miller, managers and owners of Schoolcraft’s Harding’s, are proud of their store and its presence in downtown Schoolcraft. And now the couple has a new point of pride: a substantial donation to the Eagle’s Nest through the help of customers with the store’s holiday round-up fundraiser.
The Millers have owned the business for 31 years and run a welcoming, small-town grocery and pharmacy. The Millers know their customers well and strive to provide what they are looking for. “If we don’t have it, we will get it,” says Cindy. “We like getting to know our customers. It’s a privilege to serve this community.”
Part of their small-town service is curb-side pick-up and deliveries to customers in unique situations. This keeps Cindy busy, especially Monday through Friday, but it is something that the couple feels is important.
Community giving is another thing the Millers support and believe in. Three times a year, the Millers offer a “Round-Up” for a non-profit. Customers are offered an opportunity to “round up” their bill, and the donations are tracked through the cash registers for that month. The Millers rotate the designated organization, but for the last two Decembers, the selected group was the Eagle’s Nest. The Eagle’s Nest is a non-profit which includes a food pantry and the Schoolcraft backpack program, housed at 629 East Clay Street in Schoolcraft.
This year’s total, $3,780.88, was the most ever given during a single month. “This community gives, and they always support the Eagle’s Nest. But this year’s giving was outstanding,” says Cindy.
Cindy presented Jan McNally and Peg Crissman, who volunteer at the Eagles Nest and oversee the food pantry, with the check in January. The community support by businesses, churches, organizations, and individuals is “absolutely the best,” says McNally. “We are able to provide a large quantity and variety of good healthy foods to our families and seniors.”
McNally stresses the importance of the Schoolcraft store and the Millers’ efforts, saying, “Harding’s is our go-to store for many of our food items. We check their weekly sales and place our order. Dale and Cindy, along with their employees, are a delight to work with. Their support through the year and their holiday round up are such plusses for us.
“We may be a small community, but the support we continuously receive to help feed our families in need is truly amazing and appreciated.”