Stemilt & Hansen Grant Wishes For Kids In Foster Care

The coronavirus pandemic can’t stop Stemilt and Hansen Fruit from spreading cheer this holiday season. For the eighth year, the two fruit companies played Santa and granted holiday wishes to 177 children in foster care and low income housing in the Wenatchee and Yakima areas.

In Wenatchee, Stemilt provided gifts to 146 children who are currently under the care of Washington State’s Department of Youth and Family Services, Foster First, or Fostering Solutions. While in Yakima, Hansen Fruit provided 31 gifts to children of Fostering First in Yakima.

Throughout the year, the Stemilt Community Investment Committee focuses on supporting local organizations that endorse Stemilt’s focus areas of giving: education, wellness, and community. The committee supports various organizations throughout the Wenatchee Valley and surrounding areas where Stemilt grows its World Famous Fruits. And each year, company officials say the employees of Stemilt work to fill their largest conference room with gifts that the children request. Gifts range from bikes and toys, to clothes and other essential items.

“2020 has not been the easiest, but I am so proud of the Stemilt and Hansen teams for their generosity and support they have shown the kids in the Wenatchee and Yakima communities,” states Stemilt president, West Mathison. “Even though we have been doing this for eight years, I am still honored that our employees have shown such compassion, They stepped up during a time when the community needs it most.”

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