Employees “Adopt” Local Families for Christmas
December 2010 - In keeping with a holiday tradition, Simantel celebrated the season by giving back to our community.
For the 14th year, we partnered with Lutheran Social Services of Illinois to “adopt” local families in need. Simantelites showed their spirit by purchasing and wrapping presents for two Peoria-area single mothers and their young children.
“Our goal was to get each employee to donate one gift,” said Branded Products Account Manager Wendy Wheatley, who coordinated the effort. “This year, we collected more than 140 gifts from about 50 people, plus a sizeable monetary donation. It’s an overwhelming display.”
By Dec. 13, our office resembled Santa’s workshop. The Christmas tree in the foyer could barely contain the assortment of presents, which included toys and stuffed animals, kitchen appliances and household items, bath and body lotions, bedding and towels, and kids’ clothing, shoes and outerwear.
Employees spent their lunch hour that day wrapping presents to be delivered in time for Christmas.
“Lutheran Social Services selected these two families based on their needs—and, more importantly, the steps these moms have taken to do the very best with what little they have,” Wheatley said. “Anything we can do to make their holiday a little more magical is well worth it.”
