St. James Business Starts New Holiday Tradition
“What are we going to do this year for Christmas,” asked Kathy, Meramec Vineyards’ retail manager. Just an innocent question that led them to a bit of a different approach to the holiday celebration.
Usually, they have some kind of small gift exchange among the staff. Over the eight years they’ve been in business, their holiday celebration has varied; picking names, playing the steal-a-gift handout; a visit from Santa Claus.
“How about we do something for someone else this year rather than finding a small gift for each other,” she suggested. With awareness that economic times are hitting people hard this year, she thought they could help someone right here in St. James who may not be so fortunate right now.
She went to work and contacted the school and, sure enough, they told her of a family who just had a crisis and the Mom was distraught because they didn’t have any food and certainly wouldn’t have Thanksgiving dinner.
The Meramec staff has “adopted” them and will make sure that they have the makings for Thanksgiving dinner. But, she also heard of another family with four children who were facing some tough times at both Christmas and Thanksgiving and decided they could do something for them, too.
So, the Meramec Vineyards Angel Tree was born. They invite their friends and customers to contribute, too, to help make Christmas for two St. James families. This is how it works.
In their retail room is a small tree with paper angels on it. You choose an angel. One might be for “socks for a five-year-old girl.” Take the angel, and bring in the item. Another angel might read “$10 donation.” Leave your $10 with your angel in their angel collection box. It’s that simple.
“We hope others get caught in the angel spirit,” employees at Meramec Vineyards said. “Maybe other businesses will do the same. Wouldn’t that be great!”
To contribute to the Meramec Vineyards Angel Tree, visit the winery and pick your angel or contact them at 1-573-265-7847. Meramec Vineyards is located on the North Outer Road (Highway B), just east of the I-44 St. James exit 195.
|
Latest Headlines:
Other Links: