'When Pigs Fly'

Stepping into the quaint little shop on Main Street, Norwalk evokes the feeling that this place is special. Indeed it is. The creaky wooden floors and charming tin ceiling with friendly sales associates are typical of many, but the words of inspiration on the walls from those touched by illness are not. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, When Pigs Fly is an upscale resale/retail shop selling one-of-a-kind items, new and gently used home decor and personal accessories and furniture. The concept began 15 years ago when my friends and I began having garage sales and fundraisers, creating "memorable moments" to help families through difficult times. As word spread about their good deeds, more and more people requested assistance. With her teaching background and knowledge of children with illnesses and difficult home environments, Lisa reached out to Michigan charity, The Rosemary Hockney Foundation. They gave me ideas for establishing the Piggyback Foundation. Its purpose is to "carry families through times of need and every child loves a piggyback ride." I developed and presented a proposal to the ladies' coffee group, which then created corporate documents. "God had placed people in my life who were ready and willing to help. They had life experiences that brought value to our budding organization," I emphasized. "They embraced the idea that they could create something special for families." The Piggyback Foundation determines applicants' qualifications of need after they are screened by a volunteer board of directors. Applicants must have a life-threatening illness and be a member of a family with children under age 22 attending school. They also must provide a letter of verification from the treating physician which then qualifies the applicant for one of five specific programs determining their level of need. During the formative years, my entrepreneurial mother, who loved the foundation's concept, encouraged me to open a store as a more consistent source of income for the ever-increasing number of applicants. Today, that store generates 50% of its funding. The remainder comes from personal and corporate donations, grants and fundraisers. The community gives to the shop, the shop gives to the community and the foundation gives back to the community. Although there are a few salaried staff, over 50 volunteers and groups provide continuing support for the shop and foundation. In 2021, When Pigs Fly – By the Lake opened at 506 Main St. in Huron to help support Erie County families served by the foundation. Celebrating its 15th year, The Piggyback Foundation has served more than 600 families with almost 1,300 children, raising over $1.5 million. Families in need received 94% of those funds, simply proving that pigs really can fly. When Pigs Fly 31 E. Main St. Norwalk, OH 44857 419-660-1932 Lisa HilerFounder, Piggyback Foundation If you want to submit a Local Voices column, please email it to brandonaddeo@tandemnetwork.com. Columns should be 500-750 words and include the writer's headshot, or other photo.