GRAND FORKS – Marissa Mero wanted to make a difference for her community. The result was her food item collection through the Northlands Rescue Mission and United Way Backpack Program.

By providing a $1 service credit for every item brought in, she is providing $14,626 in free services due to the number of items donated through her business, Bloom Beauty Bar.

“I’m a mom, and I really resonate with helping kids, specifically. I think the food drive is a really fun way to do that,” she said.

It started as regular conversations with one of her clients, Korinn Nadeau. Nadeau works for Northlands and Mero grew a connection with her over her interest in helping people.

“I always wanted to learn more about it because it is so interesting to me. What she does every day is always so moving and

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