Stemilt employees teamed up for the sixth straight year to grant the holiday wishes of local children currently in foster care. The Stemilt team provided gifts for nearly 130 children in the Wenatchee Valley and surrounding areas, while its partners, Hansen Fruit in Yakima, WA, supported 30 children in the Yakima area. The children range in age up to 17 and are currently under the care of Washington State’s Department of Children, Youth & Families in Wenatchee, or the Community Resource Group of Wenatchee/Yakima.

The Christmas gift giving is facilitated by Stemilt’s Community Investment Committee each year and matches with the community pillar of Stemilt’s giving back program. The company also supports organizations, projects, and events that involve education, nutrition, and fitness/health in various ways throughout the year.

According to Stemilt President West Mathison, Stemilt and Hansen Fruit team members filled a large conference room with gifts that ranged from bikes, dolls, and games to essential items like clothing and shoes.

“We’ve been granting holiday wishes for six years now, but I can’t begin to convey the feeling and excitement when I see that room full of gifts each December,” said Mathison. “Our team members and partners are incredible people and their generosity is going to help bring a smile to local children’s faces this holiday season. It doesn’t get much better than that.”