By Anna Skinner

Noah Herron spent his college years at Indiana University and left with more than a degree in biochemistry. He also left with experience of donating to Riley Hospital and a desire to keep doing so.

Herron, the owner of Urban Farmer, sold Christmas trees at the new location, 120 E. 161st St. , from Nov. 27 to Dec. 23 and donated $5 from every tree to Riley Hospital.

“Riley is probably the main charity that IU does a bunch of different things for, and being involved with that made me want to keep on donating to Riley,” Herron said. “It’s the main charity I want to donate to.”

Herron presented Riley Hospital with a $525 check on Dec. 31.

“We are definitely going to give to Riley every year for Christmas tree sales,” Herron said. “With good charities that help children and do things you really believe in, I think it’s important to give back to the community.”

Although he doesn’t have any other fundraisers planned, Herron said he may do a late summer or fall fundraiser with tomatoes, as Urban Farmer has over 60 different types of tomato plants.

During his years at IU, Herron participated in the Dance Marathon fundraiser for Riley Hospital once, and other years went to raise money for the cause in Bloomington and Broad Ripple.

Herron said that currently he doesn’t have any other ideas on charities to donate, and he enjoys the connection he has with Riley Hospital.

“It’s like going back to college,” the 2002 graduate joked.

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