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Plant Donation for DC Hospital Also Boosts Local Small Business

GWU Hospital staff PA Samantha Bussanich and Dr. Nabil Fallouh with their new plants donated by Aria Development Group. Photo credit: Maha Hakki

Among the benefits of having plants at home is that they boost the immune system while improving productivity, relationships, air quality, and mental health.  Since this sounded like something we all want for our healthcare workers in the frontlines of the COVID-19 crisis — and The Clifton by Aria wanted to thank the hospital staff at the George Washington University Hospital for their bravery and compassion — the local residential community delivered plants to the staff on Wednesday morning.

GWU Hospital staff are ready to cart in complimentary plants from Little Leaf, donated by Aria Development Group. Photo credit: Maha Hakki

Now, this green gift for essential healthcare workers was also a boon for a local small business.

The Aria Development contracted Little Leaf, a plant and gift shop in the 14th Street corridor, to supply and deliver the assortment of 75 succulents and cacti for hospital personnel to take home to their families. The shop, which had to close its doors in March, has been trying to make it through with online orders, but it can’t deny this $3,000 donation is considerably appreciated.

In the end, it was all in a Wednesday’s work: Spreading cheer to hospital workers who are risking their lives every day to help our community and minimizing the negative financial impact of the coronavirus on a beloved D.C. retailer.