For the new year, many people create New Year’s resolutions. Likewise, local business Throop Soups decided to make a resolution with a large community impact.
The business’ campaign is called “Acts of Kindness.” “This is a campaign to give back to the community, because the community has been so supportive to us,” owner Lynn Dzielak said.
Throop Soups opened in 2024 as part of Lynn Dzielak’s business, Now and Zen Wellness, in Throop.
The Acts of Kindness campaign will run quarterly, and the first initiative is called “Ladle It Forward.” From now until the end of March, Throop Soups customers can donate a $5 “cup of soup” to the Friends of the Poor. All monetary proceeds will go to the organization.
“I thought of the program as a ‘pay it forward’ idea,” Lynn Dzielak said. “We are looking forward to giving back to even more programs and would like to donate to one cause/charity per quarter.”
Tables are set up for customers at Throop Soups. (Marissa Pilato/For The Valley Advantage)
The new year can be a time for rest and relaxation, perhaps inspiring a resolution for an overall wellness routine. Now and Zen Wellness offers a relaxing atmosphere for its clients. Clients can visit Lynn Dzielak and other licensed massage therapists to help gain overall physical and mental relaxation.
“We have all types of massages: medical, cupping, lymphatic tissue massage,” Lynn Dzielak said.
Throop Soups employee Maura Cummings, who creates handmade vegan chocolates and desserts, is “excited about the Acts of Kindness program. It is such a positive program in the community.”
Cummings enjoys getting to know members of the community. “I’m happy when I see new faces who become returning customers week after week,” she said.
“We have certainly become a tight-knit family,” Lynn Dzielak added.
Local items are available for sale at the counter of Throop Soups. (Marissa Pilato/For The Valley Advantage)
Throop Soups features decorative jewelry, candles, lip balms, catnip, pictures and homemade products for sale. There is a unique array of products from local businesses.
Lynn Dzielak’s husband, Ed Dzielak, co-owner of Throop Soups, has photos for sale from his photography business, Edventure Photography.
When asked about Edventure, he said, “It’s been a lifelong learning experience.” Most of Ed Dzielak’s photos depict nature scenes and elements of the seasons.
At Throop Soups, customers can support the community through a small business.
“It’s really a hub of support,” Lynn Dzielak said.
“It’s neat to see after years in the making, different aspects of this space working together to create a chain reaction of wellness,” Cummings said.
Throop Soups is a whole food, plant-based restaurant. Customers can dine in or take out.
It has protein-packed smoothies, vegan sandwiches like vegan chicken salad made from chickpeas and vegan crab cake sandwiches, soups created with lentils and cauliflower, and lattes, desserts and salads. The cinnamon golden milk latte is a customer favorite.
“We wanted to create healthy, whole food, creative vegan options,” Lynn Dzielak said.
Now and Zen Wellness in Throop offers a relaxing atmosphere for its clients. (Marissa Pilato/For The Valley Advantage)
Now and Zen Wellness, along with Throop Soups, helps create a regimen for wellness, and now they are expanding that creed into helping out the community.
“Ladle It Forward” continues through March 31. To donate, customers can text “Ladle It Forward” to 272-250-9521 or stop by Throop Soups during business hours.
Throop Soups is located at 737 Dunmore St. in Throop. The business is open Thursday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, noon to 3 p.m.
For more information about the business and its Acts of Kindness campaign, visit the Throop Soups Facebook page.
How to help
Throop Soups kicked off its “Acts of Kindness” campaign with its first initiative, “Ladle It Forward.” From now until the end of March, Throop Soups customers can donate a $5 “cup of soup” to the Friends of the Poor.
To donate, customers can text “Ladle It Forward” to 272-250-9521 or stop by Throop Soups, 737 Dunmore St., Throop, during business hours.