1213 Delivering holiday blessings and warmth for area children
By Robin Hauenstein
December 9, 2010
272
No one could ever accuse Rex and Rayonna Leiner of not caring about their community. However, the Leiners would be the first to point out, in humility, that they arent interested in any personal glory; they see helping as a service to glorify God. The Leiners, owners of the Apple Creek East of Chicago Pizza Co., are in the midst of another community-wide project, this time aimed at providing some warmth for young people. Their Christmas pajama project is nearing its Dec. 19 deadline, with more still needed for area children.
Rayonna Leiner explained that in the past, she and Rex have always adopted local families in need for Christmas and delivered presents on Christmas Eve, as well as written checks to buy items for area charities. With the economic downturn affecting the pizza business, the Leiners knew that in order to continue doing the good work, theyd have to get creative.
Recently, Rayonna said an elderly person brought in a certificate for a pizza, won at a local charity raffle, and since the woman seemed unfamiliar, Rayonna asked where she was from. Apple Creek, the woman told her, but since she was on a very fixed income, pizza was a luxury and the free pizza prize was the only way she could afford it. That same week, the Leiners filled their heating oil tank for their home. After paying the bill for the fuel, Rayonna commented that if they had been in different economic circumstances, heat would be hard to afford. If we were unemployed, that wouldnt even be an option.
Cue the opportunity to help provide some warmth to children whose families may be struggling to pay the heating bill. Our kids have always gotten new pajamas to wear on Christmas Eve. Our 12-year-old, Rayne, felt that kids really needed to experience getting new pajamas. The Leiners decided to collect new pajamas, and wrap and deliver them, anonymously, on Christmas Eve, with the help of some family members and friends.
In order to start their project, the Leiners began to compile a list.
One thing they both do is talk and listen to their customers. Every Saturday night, the couple delivers pizzas for their store, and Rayonna said thats their opportunity to meet their customers. It was also a chance to find out about area families in need, as well as from customers who come in to pick up pizza at the Apple Creek store, and then a list was compiled. As of now, 89 sets of new pajamas are needed, for sizes ranging from babies to adult sizes, for area children in Apple Creek, Holmesville, Wooster, Orrville, and Fredericksburg. Forty-seven pairs have been donated in the word-of-mouth campaign. Those who donate new pajamas can receive a free large pizza, on the spot, at the Apple Creek store. Rayonna said many folks who have donated have just told them to deliver their free pizza to the families in need.
As much as we can, well try to supply pajamas. I feel these are the ones that God is sending our way, Rayonna said. This community just means so much to us, it really does. This is our community, she added. Rex Leiner echoed those sentiments. The whole community is a good community.
Even their employees are excited. Each quarter, we challenge them to do a community service project, Rayonna said. She added that many of the folks who have donated pajamas are not rich and have their own economic struggles.
The Leiners both say that while they have been successful with East of Chicago franchises, they have also been on the receiving end. Weve been there weve been so poor and people have blessed us.
Rayonna laughed and said that while she and Rex are ornery, the couple tries to live a life where people get to know us theyll come to know God.
Part of that ministry is in giving. When the times got too hard economically to just write a check to make a donation, the couple began trying to find ways to raise money and continue to donate. Rayonna added that her own children have held car washes and fundraisers to help a cause, and she began her own side project, The Faithful Little Cupcake, making custom cakes, as well as cupcakes, cookies and other treats, to continue to bless others. The company, started last year, has grown by word of mouth, and books one wedding a weekend. Rayonna said for every cake she bakes, from weddings to birthdays, she makes another and donates it. Working with a womens outreach group through her church, Wooster Grace Brethren, and again, listening to customers talk about community members in need, she easily finds homes for the cakes. In the past year, she and Rex have donated 81 cakes, many to children and senior citizens, who have never had their own birthday cake.
The community has blessed the Leiners, and this is their way to return the favor. Years ago, when the couple wanted to open a new branch, the then-CEO of East of Chicago told them the company would build them a store in any location they chose. Apple Creek was their preference, and the company balked, telling them it couldnt be successful. The community was too small, Rex said. Rayonna added that within a year of opening, that location became one of the top 10 nationwide in sales.
Those who wish to donate pajamas have until Dec. 19 to do so, and can drop them off at the East of Chicago Pizza Company location, 15 W. Main St., in Apple Creek. Donors also have their choice of receiving a large pizza at that time, or deferring the pizza to be delivered to one of the families in need who will get the PJs. To find out more, call the store at 330-698-0555. A complete list of boys and girls sizes is on display at East of Chicago, and the Leiners and their staff are happy to explain more, if needed. The Leiners say assisting area children is a no-brainer.
Its a way to give to kids. They didnt choose the situation theyre in, Rayonna said. For the Leiners, the decision to help others has been a blessing to them.
