Let me first start by saying Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone! I hope all holidays are wonderful and I hope you plan to celebrate with those close to your hearts. As you travel about the country, I hope you have safe travels and see the great things in the communities you visit or when you return home. 

I was super excited to shop in Monroe for 90 percent of my gift giving. As always, my favorite part of Christmas shopping is for kids I do not even know. Since my kids were young, we would shop as a family to buy at least a few toys for someone who may not be having the best year. Although there were years when we wondered how to make ends meet, I always reminded my kids that we have been fortunate. 

Now, my kids are all grown up, but I still enjoy finding some great toys to share. I always try to find toys that will engage kids for more than a few minutes. I am sure some of my attempts over the years have failed just as much at the gifts I bought for my own kids. I must be honest though, when I see ping pong balls shoot out of a reindeer’s nose, game on. I know I have a winner! 

Thanks to so many wonderful organizations that make the holidays a time when children can have a sense of being cared for and feel special. There are so many groups out there making sure the needs of those with fewer resources have a pleasant time to celebrate. I applaud you!  

Again this year, the Chamber of Commerce was a drop-off location for the Monroe Woman’s Club Toy Drive. It was so much fun to watch the donations come in. We are proud to support the generous volunteers that work throughout the year to coordinate such a successful and important cause. The faces of the Monroe Woman’s Club are many but they are modest in regard to the impact they have on our community. Cheers to them. In addition, cheers to Dearth Automotive, which transforms its showroom every year to an overnight mini distribution center to allow these donations to be sorted, packaged and sent on their way in the early hours of the morning. 

Next week is filled to the brim with pre-Christmas events, company parties, classrooms filled with anxious kids and even more anxious teachers who are trying to keep all the holiday excitement in check. Let’s take a minute to give a shout out to all of the teachers, coaches, band and choir directors keeping our young people focused through the onslaught of what is new and exciting. The wonderment at what is under the tree never goes away. 

A thank you also to the businesses stocking shelves and extending hours to accommodate us as we hurry through the weeks leading up to the holiday. In all my years in retail, I remember feeling the excitement of all of the customers who were able to find just the right thing and accommodate them in their last-minute decision making. There was a sense of accomplishment when we were able to shut the doors on Christmas Eve and breathe a deep sigh of relief. Hats off to those who give it their all. 

We are a community of generosity and I am happy to be a part of it! Time for me to go find my favorite ugly Christmas sweater and make a fool of myself at a family Christmas party! 2019 is just around the corner! A very prosperous new year to you! 

— Melissa Even is the executive director for the Monroe Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached at melissa@monroechamber.org.