When I follow a small business, or choose to patronize one over the other, it’s usually because the one I give my business to has a history of showing up in our community. If they aren’t the least expensive or maybe I’d give the food or four rating instead of a five, I will still go back to one who gives to our community.
In the case of OshPop Gourmet Popcorn I get to promote a company that has the best product and who is a giver.
I do a lot of community events with goody bags and I’m always happy to get the bag of popcorn. I create events for non-profits and when I ask Chris if he’d like to donate a raffle basket or some other way to raise funds he usually says yes. And, wow, his gift baskets are gorgeous and packed with such a great variety of products. There are always a huge number of raffle tickets in his little bin because people love his product.
A couple of weeks ago I went to the ThedaCare grand opening and received some popcorn. We were going to visit my grandson in Chicago so I put together his goody bag using the ThedaCare mini tote. I added popcorn, mini chap sticks, stickers, and other fun giveaways.
Lukas loved the popcorn! My dog came to visit and so of course Lukas wanted to feed Coconut. He’d tip toe over with one kernel in his little hand and Coconut would gently lick it off.
“He likes it, Grandma! He likes it!”
I explained that popcorn is a pretty healthy treat as long as there’s not too much salt or lots of sugar and chocolate. We decided this was a healthy treat for Coconut.
One for Lukas, one for Coconut. Lots of giggles, puppy kisses, and hugs.
Lukas, we can’t give him too much because we don’t want a fat dog.”
“I want a fat dog!” he said as he gave my pup one more piece.”
I explained that a fat dog might get sick and we really want to keep this best dog around for a long time. Lukas is two but he looked at me like he understood.
“Okay, Lukas, we need to put the bag away and tomorrow we’ll have some more.”
“Coconut is not fat. He needs some more popcorn. I do want a fat dog!”
I grew up in a very poor family without money for lots of treats candy. But we always had popcorn. I love that my grandson’s first experience with popcorn was with me and my not-fat dog. I’m glad I got to share OshPop because I was able to develop a core memory of us together, a toddler feeding the dog he adores, surrounded by family he loves.
Please drive over and buy some of their over forty flavors and share it with family and friends. They also ship if you are not in Fox Valley.
Small businesses are the backbone of any community and we need to keep them in our towns. I am grateful for people like Chris who give and give, even when times are tough. And when we spend ten or twenty dollars to support a small business we are giving back to our community.
I can’t wait to buy more popcorn and drive to Chicago so that we can build on our memories. Popcorn is a pretty awesome treat.
