By AMY DAVIS
The Progress
Daytime temperatures well over 100 degrees didn’t stop Santa and Mrs. Claus from visiting Mesquite for a Christmas in July Extravaganza.
Only July 24-25, the Mesquite Chamber of Commerce partnered with local businesses, non-profits and churches in a holiday extravaganza! The event brought discounts, hosted a food drive and helped locals get a jump on their Christmas shopping.
Businesses all over town go in the holiday spirit for the two-day event. They offered deep discounts on their products and services that reminded shoppers of Black Friday sales.
Mesquite Ace Hardware was offering 20 percent off all home and garden decor. All In Cycles had Christmas in July doorbuster sales as well as 15 percent off kids bikes and other giveaways. Sherwin-Williams offered 40 percent off paints and stains. And there were many more sales out there.
There were also plenty of activities for the kids. Danielle’s Chocolates were handing out kids coloring sheets which could be completed and returned for a special surprise. The Women’s History & Culture Center held an Art Contest for kids and young adults. And there was plenty of candy, treats and other giveaways being handed out by businesses all over town.
And speaking of giveaways, what is Christmas without a big red stocking? Participants who stopped by the Front Porch Flowers and Gifts were able to enter a prize drawing to receive an oversized stocking with more than $700 worth of gifts and prizes tucked inside, all donated by local businesses.
In jolly holiday fashion, Santa also treated kids 12 and under to free goodie bags stuffed with items from local businesses. They were able to collect these goodie bags on the Chamber’s rooftop patio starting at 8 AM on Friday.
Lucky locals may have spotted Santa as he visited local establishments such as The Department Chamber office, the Catholic thrift store, Mesquite Baptist Church, Mesquite Lutheran Church, First Baptist Church and Front Porch Flowers and gifts, just to name a few.
Santa picked up food items that had been donated at these locations to deliver them to the food bank at the Salvation Army of Mesquite. The Salvation Army has been working overtime to support individuals and families affected by the fallout from COVID 19 closures. There is much more need during this summer season than usual.
Many people are out of work right now and finding it difficult to pay the bills and put food on the table. Local resident Yerania Quezada is no exception. Quezada is a single mom with 4 children and has been doing her best to take care of her family. The Salvation Army, the Chamber, and local businesses wanted to ease her burden and shower her with the love of a community.
At noon on Friday, Santa and Mrs. Claus climbed into a fire truck bearing gifts, and were escorted to the Quezada home by the Mesquite Fire Department, the Chamber and the Salvation Army.
Once he arrived, Santa presented Quezada with a multitude of gifts for her family. She was given the cash tip jar from Danielle’s Chocolates and Popcorn. In addition, she received five Walmart gift cards for $50 each donated by David Ballweg of LoadTec Inc. in Mesquite. She also received four goodie bags that had been over-stuffed with treats for the kids as well.
“We are so thankful to Danielle’s and to Dave (Ballweg),” said Chamber President/CEO Carol Kolson. “They always step up to the plate when we need a hand, Just like Charlene (Udall) here (at The Front Porch flowers).”
To which Charlene Udall replies, “Oh, I try! These guys (the Chamber) are always stepping up to the plate for everybody, so if they ask, you just want to say, ‘Yes! I’ll do it!’”
The whole crew was so excited to be able to deliver this unexpected cheer to a deserving and hardworking local family.
Quezada was quite emotional as she received the gifts and repeated the words, “thank you” with tear-filled eyes. It was an emotional moment that touched all involved.
“This makes all the paper work, audits and long days worth it,” said Stephanie Woolley of the Salvation Army of Mesquite. “Seeing her face; seeing that joy; this is what fills my cup. This is going to make me have a really good day.”
“We see how hard these people work and we see that their paychecks go to rent because housing is not affordable,” Woolley added. “So after they pay rent, they have nothing left. I am glad we are here and that we get to do this. I am so glad that we get donations from the community. This helps so much.”
Stephanie was emotional as she spoke and her husband, Bill, stepped in saying, “Stephanie intentionally created a culture where, if you come through that door (at The Salvation Army) with a need then you are going to get help and love. No matter what it is, even if she can’t do it herself she is going to hook you up with someone who will.”
