KERNERSVILLE, N.C. — People all across the country are giving back to organizations in their community to help them stay running. One organization in Kernersville is looking for donations to continue its community efforts.

What You Need To Know

Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden has experienced struggles due to COVID-19 in memberships, donations and event rentals

The garden runs off its staff, volunteers and donations

Giving Tuesday allows the garden to continue its programs and partner with other organizations in Kernersville

Adrienne Roethling has been working for the Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden for 13 years and became the director this year.

Roethling says Giving Tuesday is really important for the organization to receive from the community in helping the garden be taken care of.

"We’re all about the community, we’re all about engaging the public. Memberships are down, donations are down and even event rentals are down, certainly because of the pandemic. It has not helped us,” Roethling said.

The garden not only relies on donations but also volunteers, like Sylvia Tabir and her friend Jim Hout, who have been volunteering for over two years. The volunteers enjoy seeing their contributions in the garden, whether it’s planting or working in the gift shop.

"We like being outside, we do a lot of yard work in our own place, but it’s really pretty, and we’re retired so it kind of keeps us busy and gives us something to do," Tazbir said.

Roethling says the biggest issue the garden has been dealing with this year is event rentals. In previous years the garden would normally have 25 weddings a year, but because of COVID-19 it is down to 10 in the last year and a half.

"Things are starting to come back. People are a little more cautious about how they are planning. Some people are doing it very strategically where they have timed entires or floating in and out, so those things are helping everybody because everybody is just wanting to get back to a different way of life," Roethling said.

The Spectacular Holiday Blooms display viewings are now limited during December at the garden. It will be open December 2-5, 9-12, 16-23 and 26-30, from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

For more information please go here or call 336-996-7888.