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We’ve been doing this as long as I’ve been here,” Plant Maintenance Mechanic Lee Lorimor said about the holiday tradition for employees at both of Louisville Water’s treatment plants.
For more than a decade, they’ve been Santa’s helpers for a few families at Field Elementary- pitching in with donations, shopping, wrapping, and delivering bags of presents just in time for Christmas.
“It’s right next door. I like that we’re supporting the school next to us,” shared Scientist Taylor Rosenhagen. “I think it feels good. I think everyone enjoys giving and there’s lots of kids out there who need help.”
The Salvation Army Angel Tree helped make holiday wishes come true for thousands of children this year.
“We were thrilled to be able to enroll 2,647 families in Louisville alone which gives us right at about 6,000 kids,” shared Trevor Huffman, the director of volunteer services for the local chapter of the Salvation Army.
Every year, he’s amazed at the impact they have during the Christmas season.
“This program does not happen without volunteers. It takes a village and then some to pull off a program like this.”
It’s become a tradition for the Louisville Water Service Board to recruit employees to be part of that village, both adopting Angels and volunteering.
“To give to the community is what Christmas is all about. This gave me the opportunity to give to the community,” Customer Service Trainer Angela Garnett said. “I saw a lot of smiling faces, children, they were happy, and it makes a difference. It makes a lot of difference to see somebody happy because of something that you’re doing for them.”
Operations Supervisor Brandon Drake felt that same joy as he delivered the gifts to families.
“I’ve enjoyed it, it’s been fun. Walking out with the families, especially the ones with kids, seeing them happy and in the Christmas spirit,” Drake said.
It took several volunteers to help one mother squeeze all the gifts she received for her children into her SUV.
“Honestly, I did not expect it to be all of this. I maybe expected to get a few items. So, for it to be this and people to be so generous; I really do appreciate it,” she said with gratitude. “They are gonna be so happy!”
Back at Field Elementary, Principal Deb Rivera always looks forward to Louisville Water’s special delivery.
“What you do for our kids each and every year makes a tremendous difference in their lives. We have been 15 years now in this partnership, so thank you, thank you, thank you!” she exclaimed.
“It’s a special thing to get to help kids who are less fortunate than most,” said Plant Maintenance Mechanic Clayton Reesor, who’s participated for the 12 years he’s worked here.
Lorimor stepped up to shop for the team.
“I think I’ve done it the last two or three years now. My wife always enjoys doing it because we don’t have young kids to shop for anymore.”
It’s truly a family affair for the Lorimors.
“This year, we had a little help from my son who came because we were buying some sneakers and I was like ‘I don’t know what kinds of sneakers kids are into these days’,” he said with a laugh.
Fellow Maintenance Mechanic Steve Nalley was smiling ear to ear as he loaded up the presents.
“Lee did a great job rounding up folks to donate. It is a great thing to be a part of, and I think we are all proud to participate!”
It’s that same fulfillment that keeps volunteers coming back year after year to volunteer with the Angel Tree.
Huffman said, “That is more than anything what you’re going to take away from volunteering with the Salvation Army. You’re going to have that good feeling of ‘I just helped someone today. I can see that look on their face; I can see that relief in their eyes that that burden’s lifted off their shoulders’.”
Louisville Water wishes all of you a happy and healthy holiday season! Remember to stay hydrated with Louisville Pure Tap® during the hustle and bustle the holidays can bring.
