This year marked the 25th anniversary of STEPs Drop In Center, and the anniversary sparked a very merry holiday for those who visit the center.

This year’s holiday festivities are brighter at the Center, thanks to the generous donations received from David Morris of Bradford Investments.

“In October, we celebrated our 25th anniversary, we have had the doors open for 25 years. As a result of the article in the paper, someone connected to David read it, contacted David and said ‘This is a great organization to donate to for Christmas,” explained Jayne Peterson, supervisor for the Drop-In Center.

The suggestion led to various conversations via telephone and email, and the usual holiday plans for Center visitors got a boost.

“I was contacted by David Morris and Sheila Madden, and they asked ‘What do you guys need? What do you want to do?’” Peterson explained. “They have created a STEPS holiday program, giving gifts, and they really beefed up the dinner from what we usually provide. They have made a sizeable donation for all of this. We have received hats and mittens and boots for Christmas. They have been updating games at the Center.”

Updates include new puzzles, pool cues and a new pool table cover. Meanwhile, the generosity did not stop there.

“We have an annual Christmas dinner, and they are providing funding for the whole thing. We serve close to 100 people at Christmas,” Peterson said.

This year’s dinner is set for Dec. 19 and will include a variety of dishes and dessert.

Those who are benefitting from the donations plan to show gratitude as well.

“It’s been phenomenal. Sheila Madden has been the contact person, the one ordering supplies, staying in touch with us. She’s been awesome. She’s amazing when she comes in and interacts with clients too,” said Center Director Maggie Travis. “We are just so so thankful and grateful for what he is doing for this place. I have clients writing him thank-you notes.”

Celebrating history this year gave the Center even more to be thankful for, and staff and visitors alike aren’t likely to forget the kind souls at Bradford Investments anytime soon.

“We are very, very thankful to them — and we are thankful that The Bradford Era ran an article on our 25th anniversary,” Peterson said.