"It's a Wrap-Party" at Goldenwest

How many people does it take to wrap Christmas presents for 25 families?

Just ask Diana Windley, marketing director for Goldenwest Credit Union.

“It takes every pair of hands that we can get,” says Windley. “If you stop by the corporate office on Tuesday, we just may hand you a roll of wrapping paper and ask you to join in the fun.”

For twelve years, members and employees of Goldenwest Credit Union have helped to make the holidays a little brighter for families in Weber County. In 2010, as in years past, the credit union has sponsored children from 25 different families referred to them by the Weber Human Services Foundation.

The “wrapping party”, as it has been come to known, is an all-day event at the Goldenwest corporate office. Employees are given extra-long breaks so they can go into the corporate office training room and wrap presents. Employees are also encouraged to bring in their family members to help wrap gifts. And Santa Claus visits the credit union in the afternoon to make sure the wrapping is up to his standards.

Most of the children ask for clothing items needed for the cold winter months such as snow boots, warm socks or a new pair of jeans. Many of the children also ask for fun presents including MP3 players, Barbies, and Pillow Pets.

“When you realize what a difference these gifts can make in the lives of children, no one minds spending their lunch break or staying late to help wrap presents,” says Windley.

The Goldenwest wrapping party begins at 11 a.m. and goes until the last bow is placed on the final gift.