MANCHESTER, Iowa (KCRG) – An Eastern Iowa business is going the extra mile for one of its employees by raising money to support those with a similar journey.
At “Stay Wild Gifts” in Manchester, Mia Moreno can be found doing a variety of jobs, from working at the cash register to pressing koozies.
“It means a lot doing things to be interactive with other people,” said Moreno.
But for Mia, it’s more than just a job. Mia was diagnosed with down syndrome when she was born. She’s worked at “Stay Wild Gifts” for the last two years. Last year, she asked owner Erin Flanagan to get involved by creating a team and raising money for the Hawkeye Area Down Syndrome Walk in Cedar Rapids. It’s something she’s enjoyed for the last four years.
“Do like activities, do like crafts, and play around,” said Moreno.
They started a team, “Wild One’s” and set a goal to raise $500. Flanagan also stepped up by donating 5% of all the store sales during Mia’s shift on Wednesdays. That goal of $500 has already been met.
“I love being able to use my store as a part of a platform to be a part of something bigger,” said Flanagan.
With 67 days to go until the event, HADSA has raised $90. Flanagan, however, expects more is still to come in the next few weeks.
“As it gets closer to the walk, more people will be sending in Venmo, and there are many different teams that you can send a Venmo to,” she said.
And the community has stepped up to help Mia and team “Stay Wild”
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