Giving back to 159 local foster children

For the third consecutive year, Stemilt employees and growers joined together to give local children in foster care in central Washington gifts from their holiday wish list. Stemilt’s Community Investment Committee organized the effort that granted 159 children a gift. The children range in age from 0-18 and are under the care of one of two organizations – Washington State’s Division of Child & Family Services in Wenatchee or the Community Resource Group of Wenatchee/Yakima.

“Our generous employees and growers were thrilled to help put a smile on the faces of nearly 160 local children this holiday season. They went above and beyond to make their holidays bright,” said Courtney Mathison, chair of the Community Investment Committee.

Owens Barrios, program manager for Community Resource Group, said the partnership with Stemilt to provide gifts to local kids in foster care continues to grow each year.

“We have more children in foster care in central Washington to support this year, and the continued generosity of the Stemilt team to provide each one with one of their holiday wishes is an incredible blessing for our two organizations. This is what the Christmas season is all about,” said Barrios.

Marie Scanlon, the Family to Family Program Consultant for Wenatchee’s Division of Children and Family Services added: “Our organization is so grateful to Stemilt for their support of our local kids in foster care. Their generosity helps provide a better Christmas experience for the kids and is a huge support to foster families.”