Beanie Box tradition continues spreading holiday cheer at Bean's Cafe

A long-standing tradition continued at Bean's Cafe Monday, spreading a little holiday cheer to those who need it most.

Around 800 festively wrapped shoeboxes were packed with care by local schools, businesses, and organizations to give out to those in need.

"For many of them, this is the only gift they will receive this year, and just the knowledge that someone on the community that you don't know cared enough to go out and shop, and wrap a gift, and deliver it to us to give to them, it's really meaningful," said Bean's Executive Director, Lisa Sauder.

Each box had items like warm weather gear, a holiday card, and personal care items, but also some fun things like candy or a deck of cards- all in an effort to bring joy to those who need some Christmas cheer.

"Holidays are very emotional for a lot of our clients because they're missing their loved ones and their family and friends," said Sauder. "It's very hard so we try and make sure that everybody is safe and warm and well-fed and know that we care about them and that the entire community cares about them."

This year was the first year Bean's Cafe also organized pantry food boxes for Children's Lunchbox, distributed through local elementary schools.

This day comes on the heels of an issue that could have shut the place down Sunday. It was all hands on deck after

halted running water. Thankfully, the issue was fixed and the water is running, but the community support continued.

Along with other organizations and community members who donated time and items to keep Bean's running on Sunday, shipping company Matson chipped in today offering a $5,000 check to help Bean's this holiday season.

Sauder says the $5,000 will go towards long term repairs for the pipes, fixing a roof leak and other deferred maintenance projects... it will also go towards purchasing the rest of the items they need to put on their holiday meal happening Christmas day from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.