US: Christmas story, produce industry style

Domex Superfresh Growers stepped up to help a local charity, the Madison House, during the days just before Christmas to help them make the most of a generous donation. The Madison House Community Youth Center, located in the heart of the gang and drug district of Yakima, is available to all youth who wish to participate in constructive activities; after-school and all-day during the summer. The local Costco Wholesale club had donated a large number of trees to the organization for their use and Madison House called on Superfresh Growers for help with the undertaking.

Frank Davis, vice president of business development at Superfresh Growers, led the charge, spreading the word that donations in the form of sponsorships were needed so that all the families served by Madison House could have a tree in their home for Christmas. The kids of Madison House pitched in to do their part. Setting up a Christmas tree lot on a nearby street corner and selling trees. Others were involved in delivering trees that had been sponsored to families in the neighborhood that couldn’t buy one for themselves.

According to Kevin Deyette, director of Madison House, this project created opportunities for learning that could have happened in no other way. “They had fun, but it helped their attitudes as well. The boys who delivered trees had Christmas trees in their houses already; they were visiting homes that didn’t have a tree for lack of funds. I truly think it gave them a different perspective on their own situations, and changed attitudes incredibly to have that philanthropic experience,” he states.

When the snow had settled the tally was just over $1,800 raised by Superfresh Growers employees and 45 trees donated to families served by Madison House.
“Many in the Yakima Valley fruit industry have gotten behind Madison House to help these kids. In the process they hope to help them see that there is real opportunity in this industry if you get your education and work hard,” says Mark Holtzinger, director of business development for Kershaw Fruit. “It has been truly heartwarming to see the industry rally around this great cause.”

If you would like to support Madison House or its programs either financially or as a volunteer please contact Sara Holtzinger, community director, via e-mail or at +1 509-941-8001.