LUPTON – ‘Tis the season for giving, and owners Margie and Jean Peterson of Lovewell’s Corner Store in Lupton are beacons of the Christmas Spirit. This will be their 10th year facilitating a gift giving “Santa support system” for local children and passing out “fill your pantry” food boxes to families in need during the holidays.
Every year on the Saturday following Thanksgiving, the Peterson’s hold a customer appreciation day filled with free food, games, and a visit from Santa. Children and teens are welcome to write a letter to Santa and register to be a part of the support system. There are around 250 participants every year and each child receives about 8-10 gifts all catered around items on their list.
The Peterson’s also help around 100 families fill their pantries for Thanksgiving and Christmas with their holiday food boxes.
“This year we have had the highest demand for our seasonal food boxes, but also the highest amount of food donations from the community, “said Jean Peterson. “It brings me so much joy to contribute to our community in such an impactful way.”
These incredible programs are entirely funded by generous donations and ran by a handful of volunteers. One of the primary fundraisers for the Santa support system is a witches’ night out event held annually at Kenyon’s Lakeside Resort in Lupton. Over $750 and 109 toys and teen gifts were donated this year.
If you are interested in contributing to these incredible programs, donations of nonperishable and frozen/meat items, toys, toiletry items, socks, blankets, clothes, and gift certificates for teen activities are currently being accepted at Lovewell’s. They are always accepting volunteers looking to help sort and wrap gifts and organize food boxes. You can also donate directly to them via PayPal and Venmo under @LovewellsCorner.
Lovewell’s Corner Store is located at 1005 Wiltse Rd. in Lupton, their current winter hours are 7 a.m.- 6 p.m. daily. They carry a wide selection of liquor and are known for their 300 mini shot wall. You can follow them on Facebook to learn more about the food boxes and Santa support system.
