OLYMPIA, Wash. — Restaurants remain closed for indoor dining, but the spirit of giving can’t be shut down.
“The restaurant workers, they’re definitely in need,” said Dori, who stopped by the Oyster House Tuesday to pick a card off the Giving Tree. “I picked the 20-year-old male father with a 1-year-old diaper: toys, clothes, diapers,”
The Giving Tree at the Oyster House is filled with holiday wish lists written by restaurant workers in the Olympia area who’ve had an undeniably difficult year.
“The businesses are taking a hit too, but if you’re a single parent and you’re living off of tips and now you’re in this situation, it could be a pretty bleak Christmas for you and your kids, so we don’t want to see that,” said Brandon Lawin, Oyster House regional manager.
Lawin said the Oyster House’s owner thought of the idea. It’s in honor of her late husband, Patrick, who passed away earlier this year.
To help workers who’ve had their hours slashed this holiday season, the Oyster House is “adopting” employees at nearby restaurants in hopes of bringing Christmas cheer. Customers can stop by, grab a card and pick out a gift.
“Sometimes it’s the smallest thing that can make a huge difference,” said Jeri Glavin, Oyster House assistant general manager.
News spread fast. Twenty restaurants joined in and adopted fellow eateries. Seeing the generosity brought employees to tears.
“It’s just feeling everybody’s heart and just how much the community pulls together is very uplifting, it’s really a joyous tearing up rather than to see the giving and how big people’s hearts are and how much the community pulls together for each other,” said Glavin.
Those who’d like to donate can stop by participating restaurants:
- Oyster House, which adopted Jean-Pierre’s Three16 and Westside Tavern
- Well80, which adopted Equal Latin Restaurant and Bar
- Budd Bay Café, which adopted Chelsea Farms Oyster Bar and Dockside Bistro
- Café Au Lait Espresso, which adopted River’s Edge
- Washington Hospitality Association, which adopted Budd Bay Café
- River’s Edge, which adopted Uncork & Unwind
- Uncork & Unwind, which adopted Swing and Nicole’s Bar
- Swing, which adopted Rhythm & Rye
- Pints Barn, which adopted Hops on the Hill
- Nicole’s Bar, which adopted Well80
Donations are being accepted through Dec. 19. Gifts will be delivered to employees Dec. 22.
Cox Media Group
