Stemilt gives back to children in Wenatchee/Yakima

For the fifth consecutive year, Stemilt employees have joined together to play the role of Old Saint Nick and for the first year, Stemilt has also combined forces with local engineering firm SCJ Alliance to grant presents to 188 foster children from the area. Organized by Stemilt’s Community Investment Committee, foster children under the care of either Washington State’s Division of Child & Family Services in Wenatchee or the Community Resource Group of Wenatchee/Yakima will be waking up to presents on Dec. 25.

According to Stemilt’s President West Mathison, the generosity of both Stemilt and SCJ Alliance employees helped fill a large room with gifts, and grant wishes for everything from bikes to games, clothes, and more for deserving children.

“Giving back to local children is a priority of ours at Stemilt and I’m proud of the enthusiasm and generosity our team shows every year in supporting those in foster care in our community. It’s an honor to work alongside so many caring people,” said Mathison.

Owens Barrios, program manager for Community Resource Group, said the partnership with Stemilt began five years ago and continues to be a huge blessing for both organizations.

“We are so grateful to partner with Stemilt again this year, and appreciate the support of the SCJ Alliance team as well. Generosity like this is helping put a smile on the faces of many children in our community this year,” said Barrios.

In addition to the gifts, several Stemilt employees volunteered at the annual foster family holiday party. Held on Dec. 19 at Blossom Valley Assisted Living Facility in Wenatchee, the gathering brings families together for an afternoon of activities, games, food, prizes, and visits with Santa.

Stemilt Growers is a tree fruit growing, packing and shipping company based in Wenatchee, Washington. Owned and operated by the Mathison family, Stemilt is a shipper of sweet cherries and one of the nation’s largest suppliers of organic tree fruits.

Stemilt has also demonstrated a commitment to sustainable agriculture and social responsibility since 1989 when founder Tom Mathison launched the company’s Responsible Choice program.