Pure Expressions Photography has joined the Neighbor Helping Neighbor campaign to support the Western Wake Crisis Ministry.

As the 2008 recipient of the Apex Chamber of Commerce Small Business Award and a well known contributor to community activities, it's no surprise the studio has opted to help.

In early 2009, they participated in the National Charity Model Search which raised over $165,000 nationwide -- forty-eight children participated in Apex. In June, the studio ran a pet portrait fundraiser for Marley's Cat Tales and October of 2009 will mark their third annual Halloween food drive. Rather than wait until October, Pure Expressions Photography has jumped in with Mayor Keith Weatherly’s declaration of September as Neighbor Helping Neighbor month.

With the beginning of the month just days away, the studio decided to embark upon a three month long giving adventure.

Through September 20, 2009, nominations for their annual Family Portrait Gift-Away will be accepted.

“Once a year, we give away one our biggest packages,” said owner Aimee Bickers. “Nominations come from our customers and the general public and based on the stories told, one family will be the recipient. Last year's selected family was nominated by Hair Body & Sole Spa owner Cheri Kinney.”

While nominations are received, the studio will also accept $25 checks made payable to the Western Wake Crisis Ministry in lieu of a portion of the studio's session fee.

The third element in the focus on the Western Wake Crisis Ministry will be the Halloween Food Drive scheduled for October 17, 2009 at the Apex studio.

Families will provide 10 canned goods in trade for a photo of their costumed munchkins -- all donated to the Western Wake Crisis Ministy.

“Last year we donated over 300 pounds of food to the Crisis Ministry. We'd love to double or triple that this year,” said Bickers.

The studio doesn't expect to stop there. The staff has brainstormed ideas not only for Apex, but across the Raleigh-Durham area to extend into the Christmas season.

“We might be a small business, but we're big on giving,” said Bickers.

For more information please visit www.pureexpressionsphotography.com or call 362-9039.