The Season for Spreading Love and Good Cheer

The months that surround the upcoming holidays often remind just how good it feels to put others first and give back to not only the ones we care about most, but also to our community. Whether it's volunteering at a local food bank, wrapping presents for those in need or simply lending a neighbor a helping hand, there is something about this time of year that seems to bring out the best in those around us. Combine this with Santa, his helpers and other wintertime fun, and it’s no wonder this season is considered to be “the most wonderful time of the year."

Our good friends at PEP recently found themselves the recipients of some good-hearted holiday cheer. Of the many crafty things PEP creates, their hand painted ornaments are a hot commodity this time of year. Coming in all shapes and sizes, each ornament finds a home where it will be displayed with the artistic mark of someone with special needs. After each ornament is painted, workers carefully place their works of art in a kiln and watch the pastel colors of the glaze come to life. Once the glaze hardens, ribbons are tied to each ornament and sent on their way to adorn trees across the country. It’s a joyful process that gives each worker a chance to express their creative side, and boy do they know how to paint!

Things were going great at the PEP facility until their kiln took a turn for the worst. Out of commission, PEP was left out of options. The kiln had recently begun to act up, but before they could get a serviceman to diagnose the problem, the kiln had gone kaput. Production of all bisque (a variation of clay) items including ornaments, trivets, bowls, coasters, dog dishes and mugs was brought to an unfortunate halt. Bare items lay in their boxes, the glaze remained untouched as they searched for a way to revive the kiln.

After a few days, a service company was recommended for the repair. Their technician made his way out to the PEP facility and slowly, but surely, brought the kiln back to life. With grateful hearts they thanked him for his time and hurried back to production, not noticing that he left without giving them an invoice for his work.

Could it be a stroke of luck? Or did one of Santa’s elves strike again? We guess the world will never know, but one thing is for sure: those at PEP have been good all year, and would certainly deserve a gesture like this.