Category: Cannabis in the Community

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Cannabis in the Community

Back to School Drive for Missouri: Helping Local Students Succeed

A group of five women smiling and holding a large black bin overflowing with notebooks and binders for a school supply drive. A woman on the far left holds a box of school supplies and gives a thumbs-up.

Back to School Drive for Missouri: Helping Local Students Succeed

It’s that time of year again! Fresh notebooks, sharpened pencils, and backpacks are ready to. NatureMed is excited to launch our Back to School Drive to help students in our local communities start the year strong. From August 11 through August 25, all five of our Missouri stores will be collecting donations of basic school supplies, and every single item goes directly to support a school in need. The best part? No purchase is necessary to participate, just bring your supplies and your community spirit.

Two men pose behind a black bin filled with backpacks. One man on the left holds a notebook and the man on the right holds a box of Kleenex and notebooks. A sign on the bin says "School Supply Drive."

Who We’re Helping This Year

Each of our Missouri locations has partnered with a different local school or district to make sure your donations have a direct impact. Our Independence location is collecting for Fort Osage School District, O’Fallon is supporting Hope High School in the Fort Zumwalt District, Kingston is helping Hancock District elementary schools, and both our Vivion and Gladstone locations are gathering supplies for the North Kansas City Schools ELL Department. Every pencil, notebook, and box of crayons will go straight into the hands of students who need them the most.

How You Can Make a Difference

Participating is easy. Stop by any NatureMed dispensary between August 11 and August 25 and drop off your donation of basic school supplies. We’re talking things like paper, folders, makers, backpacks, and glue sticks, the essentials that help set students up for success! See your local budtender for a detailed list of supplies needed for each school! Whether you bring one item or a bag full, you’re making a real difference in a student’s school year.

A group of five women smiling and holding a large black bin overflowing with notebooks and binders for a school supply drive. A woman on the far left holds a box of school supplies and gives a thumbs-up.

Join us In supporting local students

At NatureMed, we believe in lifting up the communities we serve, and this Back to School drive is a chance for all of us to come together for something good. Let’s fill those classrooms with the tools students need to shine.

While you’re here dropping off supplies, be sure to browse our online menu and check out our daily deals! You might just find something to make your day a little brighter too!

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Cannabis in the Community

Supporting Our Neighbors: Tornado Relief Drive

Supporting Our Neighbors: Tornado Relief Drive

On May 16, a tornado swept through northern St. Louis, causing serious damage and leaving many families without basic necessities. It was one of those moments that shakes a community, but also reminds us how strong that community can be. At NatureMed, we’re doing what we can to help support our neighbors through it.

We’ve partnered with Love the Lou, a St. Louis organization working directly with families impacted by the tornado. Their team is focused on delivering real support, fast by getting essential supplies into the hands of people who need them most.

What We’re Collecting

If you’re planning to visit one of our STL stores, we encourage you to bring a few extra items with you to donate. Here’s what we’re collecting:

Food and Drinks

  • Bottled water & electrolyte drinks
  • Non-perishable food items like peanut butter, jelly, & canned goods

Everyday Essentials

  • Toiletries (toilet paper, soap, toothbrush/paste)
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Towels, clean clothing, adult diapers
  • Items for children (formula, diapers, toys)

Household & Repair Supplies

  • Trash bags, zip-lock & lawn bags
  • Packing tape, duct tape, & Flex Seal
  • Tarps & nails
  • Flashlights, headlamps, & batteries
  • Phone charging cords

Other Helpful Donations

  • Gift cards to Walmart, Aldi, Schnucks, or any local grocery store.

Not sure if something you have is useful? Ask one of our budtenders in store and we’ll be happy to help!

Where and When

Donations will be accepted during regular store hours at both St. Louis NatureMed locations until June 30. We’ve made it easy to contribute. Just bring your items inside and let any team member know you’re donating to the tornado relief drive. We’ll hand the rest from there!

Why It Matters

When natural disasters hit, many people are left without basic necessities for days or even weeks. The tornadoes that came through Missouri were no exception. In moment’s like this, small businesses have the power to step up in a big way. For us, that means showing up for the STL community the same way it’s always shown up for us.

We believe that being part of a community means showing up when it’s needed most. Whether you’re able to bring one item or ten, just being part of this effort means a lot. It’s the little things that help people feel seen supported, and not alone.

From Our STL Team

This drive was started by one of our own, Kyra Derington, who experienced the storm’s impact firsthand. Here’s what she shared about the day the tornado hit and what inspired her to take action:

On May 16, I got a call from the local police saying a tree in my front yard fell on my house. As I rushed home in panic, I shortly realized I was one of the lucky ones. As more pictures and information about the devastation across North County were posted, my heart broke. Some families lost everything in an instant. I knew we had to do something. Launching the tornado relief drive at NatureMed wasn’t just about collecting supplies, it was about standing beside our community in a moment of deep need. Watching everyone come together so quickly reminded me how powerful compassion can be when we choose to act.

Kyra Derington

Since launching our tornado relief drive, over 1,347 items have been donated at our two STL stores. The response has been incredible, and we’re so grateful to everyone who’s already shown up to help.

Shop and Support

Even if you’re not able to donate, your visit still supports the work we’re doing! Check out our daily deals to save on your go-to products and browse our online menu and order ahead for pickup.

Thanks for being part of a community that shows up and takes care of each other. STL, we’ve got your back.