Holiday GIFT GUIDE
BE A FOUNDING MEMBER
The National Memorial of Military Ascent is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit in Grafton, Illinois, dedicated to creating a permanent tribute to the courage and sacrifice of all veterans.
Become one of only 5,000 Founding Members to support the construction and operation of this National Memorial that will impact and educate current and future generations.
For your one-time donation of $1,000, your name—or the name of a loved one—will be permanently engraved in the granite Wall of Ascent along the Walk of Valor leading to the base of the memorial.
Celebrating 30 Years of Impact & Stepping Boldly Into a New Future
Six months ago, I stepped into the role of Executive Director of ThriVe Metro East with deep gratitude and a strong sense of purpose From the moment I walked through our doors, I knew I was entering into something sacred, three decades of love, service, and life-changing impact poured out by this community.
You have built a legacy that has touched thousands of women, children, and families across the Metro East As I reflect on these first six months, my heart overflows with gratitude for your partnership, your prayers, your generosity, and your steadfast belief in the value of every life.
Together, we have continued this mission with clarity and compassion. We have welcomed women who are scared, overwhelmed, or unsure where to turn, and we have walked
beside them with real, tangible support: free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, STD testing, education, resources, and the kind of personalized care that reminds every woman “You are not alone ” We also recognized something important: our community is changing Women are navigating new pressures, new fears, and new cultural messages. If we want to continue reaching them effectively, we must grow, evolve, and strengthen the way we serve. With excitement and careful intention, we are stepping boldly into our next chapter. Introducing Vitality Women’s Clinic.
A new name. A renewed commitment. A stronger future.
As we look back with gratitude over 30 powerful years, we now look forward with hope and anticipation as we transition into Vitality Women’s Clinic. This is not a departure from our mission it is an expansion of it.
As we celebrate 30 transformative years, we honor every donor, volunteer, advocate, church partner, and staff member who helped us arrive at this moment. Your fingerprints are on every life touched, every family strengthened, and every baby saved.
Now, I want to ask for your continued partnership as we move forward into this exciting new chapter. Because the truth is: We are dreaming big… but we cannot do it alone. I would personally love to invite you to tour our clinic to see the heart of our mission in action, to meet our team, and to hear how Vitality Women’s Clinic will continue to change lives for years to come. If it serves you better, I would be honored to visit your church, business, school, or small group to share more about our vision, our needs, and the extraordinary opportunities ahead
Serving as Executive Director during this historic moment has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I am filled with gratitude for where we’ve been and with profound excitement for where we’re going.
Thank you for standing with us for 30 years. Thank you for believing in this mission. Thank you for helping us step boldly into a future filled with vitality, compassion, and hope. Together, we will continue to rescue lives, uplift families, and transform our community one woman at a time.
With heartfelt gratitude, Jackie Duty
Meet The BOARD
Spreading Cheer: How This Non-Profit Has Given Back to the Community Since 1994
For more than three decades, this non-profit has been a steady source of compassion, support, and life-affirming care for women and families throughout the region. What began in 1994 as Arms of Love, a small volunteer effort serving women in crisis, has grown into a respected community pillar committed to meeting the needs of the Metro East with grace and excellence.
As the community’s needs evolved, Arms of Love became Options Now, expanding medical services, education, and resources for families facing uncertainty. A new season began with its partnership with ThriVe St. Louis, transforming the center into ThriVe Metro East and broadening its impact through free medical testing, ultrasounds, STI services, prevention programs, and long-term client support.
Through every chapter of growth, one mission has remained constant: empowering women, strengthening families, and transforming communities through compassion and hope.
Now, as ThriVe Metro East prepares for its next
evolution into Vitality Women’s Clinic in January 2026, the heart behind the work remains stronger than ever.
Each year, ThriVe Metro East gives back through countless acts of service, providing medical care to those with nowhere else to turn, offering parenting classes and material support to families in need, walking alongside mothers who feel scared or alone, and equipping young people with tools to make healthy decisions. Their team of nurses, advocates, educators, volunteers, churches, and community partners pours into Metro East families daily, ensuring that anyone who walks through their doors is met with kindness and dignity.
What started in 1994 as a small act of love has blossomed into a regional force for good one that uplifts, empowers, and strengthens generations.
Too many stories of impact exist to fit into this space, but each life touched represents why this mission continues to matter.
Educational Insights
Kanoodle® SudoQubeTM - 3D Brain Teaser Puzzle, Pocket Sudoku Game, Color Puzzles & Handheld Board Games for Travel, Gifts for Sudoku Lovers Including Kids, Teens & Adults Ages 7+
Popular Toys in 2025
Educational Insights
GeoSafari Starview Telescope - Kids Telescope for Beginner Astronomy, Stargazing & Viewing Planets, Home or Classroom Science Set, Space Discovery & STEM Gifts for Ages
This LEGO Wild Animals set lets young builders put the bricks together to form pandas, penguins, or orcas all are adorable and have posable parts. There are a little more than 620 pieces in the set, and kid testers loved the variety. Ages 8+
Singing Machine
Portable Karaoke Machine with Wired Mic, Bluetooth, LED Lights - For Adults & Kids
Boutique Brand Highlights
Curated Gifts with Style, Story, and Heart
In a season known for sparkle and celebration, boutique brands bring something uniquely special to the holiday experience, gifts crafted with intention, artistry, and soul.
These are the makers and curators who pour their creativity into every detail, transforming ordinary items into meaningful treasures. From handcrafted jewelry and artisanal foods to luxury skincare, bespoke home décor, custom art, and fashion pieces you won’t find in big-box
stores, boutique brands represent the very best of thoughtful giving.
What sets boutique brands apart is the heart behind the product. Every piece has a story. Every creator has a passion. Every purchase supports a dream. When you choose gifts from these small but mighty brands, you’re not only giving something extraordinary; you’re celebrating the craftsmanship, originality, and dedication that make these makers unforgettable.
Boutique gifts are made for the person who appreciates the little luxuries in life the soft texture of hand-knit fiber, the glow of a handpoured candle, the beauty of a one-ofa-kind piece of art, the richness of small-batch culinary creations, or the refined simplicity of artisan accessories. These are
gifts that stand out under the tree and linger long after the season ends because they’re chosen with care and created with intention.
Beyond their beauty, boutique brands enrich our communities. They bring flavor, color, and creativity to our local neighborhoods. They collaborate with other small businesses, participate in community events, and inspire the next generation of artists and entrepreneurs. Their work supports local economies, adds vibrancy to our culture, and connects us to the artistry in our own backyard.
This holiday season, delight in the charm of the unique Choose gifts with a soul Celebrate the boutique brands that make our region shine.
Top 10 Christmas Movies???
Home Alone (1990)
A Christmas Carol (2009)
Polar Express (2004)
Did your favorite movie make our Top 10?
Die Hard (1988)
Elf (2003)
Brown Christmas (1965)
Charlie
What Holiday Movie Describes You?
What's your ideal holiday setting?
1. Snow-covered town or city
2. Warm and cozy home with loved ones
3. Big city with bustling activities
4. Adventure-filled location
How do
you
handle unexpected situations?
1. Stay calm and find a creative solution
2. Rely on friends or family for support
3. Try to make the best of it with humor
4. Take charge and tackle the problem head-on
What's
your approach to celebrating the
holidays?
1. Spread cheer and positivity to everyone
2. Focus on spending quality time with loved ones
3. Enjoy the festivities and have a good time
4. Create memorable and exciting experiences
What's your favorite holiday activity?
1. Helping others and making their days brighter
2. Sharing meals and enjoying traditions
3. Laughing and having fun with friends
4. Seeking out new adventures and challenges
How
do you feel about family gatherings?
1. Love spending time with family and friends
2. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of family
3. Sometimes chaotic but filled with love
4. Appreciate the bonding but prefer some space
Which
quality resonates with you the most?
1. Kindness
2. Love
3. Humor
4. Resilience
Tally up the numbers of your chosen answers:
•Mostly 1s: You're most like "It's a Wonderful Life."
•Mostly 2s: You align with "Elf."
•Mostly 3s: Your match is "Christmas Vacation."
•Mostly 4s: Your movie spirit is akin to "Die Hard.”
Which movie did you get?
How To Make Grinch Cookies
There’s something magical about a cookie that can turn even the Grinch’s tiny heart three sizes bigger Bright, festive, and impossibly soft, Grinch Cookies have become a holiday favorite for kids and adults alike. They bring the whimsy of Dr. Seuss straight into your kitchen.
INSTRUCTIONS
1) Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2) Combine the cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla in a large bowl. Add the green food coloring and mix well to incorporate it evenly.
3) Set the dough in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
4) Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Mix the confectioners' sugar and cornstarch in a small bowl.
5) Remove the dough from the refrigerator. Scoop dough into balls and roll them in the confectioners' sugar mixture until completely coated.
6) Set the balls on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly press the bottom of a glass down to make the balls have a flatter surface. (Do not press too hard, though.)
7) Add the candy heart to the top of the dough.
8) Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. Do not overbake.
9) Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on a cooling rack.
10) Serve warm or at room temperature.
Source: Pinterest.com
Ingredients
• 1 box vanilla cake mix
•2 eggs
•Green food coloring (gel)
•1/3 cup cornstarch
•1/3 cup vegetable oil
•½ tsp vaillna
•1/3 cup confectioners sugar
•Candy heart or sprinkles
The holiday season invites us to slow down, savor moments with the people we love, and find gifts that reflect the joy and meaning of this time of year. In a world where online shopping can happen with a single click, there is something profoundly grounding, even magical, about choosing to shop local.
When you step into a neighborhood shop or support a local maker, you are doing far more than completing a purchase. You are becoming part of a story, one woven together by the dreamers, builders, artists, and entrepreneurs who give our region its soul. Every storefront is someone’s calling Every handmade item carries a piece of the person who created it. Every small business is a thread in the fabric of our community.
Shopping local means putting your dollars where your heart already is, close to home. Unlike bigbox stores or national chains, local businesses reinvest their profits right back into the community. They hire local workers, purchase from local vendors, support local nonprofits, and contribute to the
Shopping Local Matters More Than Ever
health and vitality of the regional economy. When you choose a gift from a neighborhood boutique, café, gallery, or service provider, your purchase ripples outward, strengthening the very place we all live, work, and love.
There’s also a deeper richness in the gifts themselves. Local businesses offer something you can’t massproduce: character. Care. Craftsmanship Whether it’s a handpoured candle, a piece of original art, a one-of-a-kind bakery box, a unique experience, or a gift certificate to a beloved local restaurant, these gifts carry heart. They tell a story and create a connection, not only between you and the recipient, but between you and the people who bring creativity and passion to our towns.
It’s not just about economics or quality. It’s about community. Local businesses are the ones sponsoring youth programs, donating to charity auctions, supporting local events, and showing up when our community needs them. When they thrive, our neighborhoods flourish When they struggle, the community feels it. Shopping local keeps our downtowns vibrant, preserves the charm and character of our towns, and encourages new ventures to take root.
Choosing local also helps keep talent right here in our region. Entrepreneurs, artists, and innovators stay and build their dreams when they feel supported. Your purchase may
be the encouragement that helps a small business grow, expand, hire more employees, or open a second location. Every sale matters, and small business owners feel that deeply.
The most beautiful part of shopping local is the experience itself. There is something special about walking into a warmly lit shop during the holidays, being greeted by name, talking with the owner about their latest products, or discovering a handmade item you didn’t even know you were looking for. It’s slower, more intentional, more joyful It’s a reminder of what the holidays are really about: connection.
This season, as you make your list and check it twice, consider filling it with gifts that come wrapped in meaning Gifts that support dreams Gifts that strengthen community. Gifts that stay close to home. Shopping local isn’t just a transaction. It’s a celebration of who we are and who we want to become.
Thank You Sponsors of
Presenting Sponsor
Two Anonymous Donors
Mistletoe Partner Sponsor
Santa’s Friend Sponsor
Holiday Basket Hero Sponsors
Halpin Music
Pro Automotive Services
Gorilla Express Car Wash
Brush Salon – Hannah Combs
Quality Buick GMC Cadillac Quality
Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Thrivent Financial – Christian Rowe, BFA
Snap Fitness
Stephanie Kapp - Artist
Fancy Nancy Boutique on Main
Lady J's Gooey Butter Cakes
Lowe's
Mary Warren- Mrs. Holly Claus
White Castle
Cindy Parish
Wilton Cattle Company
Post Commons / Good News Pizza
Full Circle Functional Medicine
Laura Burton
Grafton Limestone
Abbey Parish
Todd Stottlemyre
Bakers & Hale
Ruby Wren
Don Mathenia – Author / Artist
Smart Choice Auto
Texas Roadhouse - Edwardsville
Bluff City Bait & Tackle
Cato Fashions
Eclipse Car Wash
Nana’s Hometown Sweets & Eats
Mabee Fitness Line Dance
St. Louis Cardinals
Dale Blachford
Grace Community Baptist Church
Books-A-Million
First Assembly of God – East Alton
Radiance Yoga & Wellness
Beyond Creative AI
Dick’s Flowers
Liberty Bank
USC Bank
Bowl Haven
Olive Oil Marketplace
Piasa Armory
Shannon Vitali
Donna Oehler
LuciAnna’s Pastries
Bollini Taxidermy Studio
NCG Cinema
Food-A-Fare Gift Card
Granny’s Uniforms
Lighthouse Coffee
Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Alton
The Yoder Family
Tractor Supply
Fazoli’s – Alton
CJ’s Juicery
The Box Mercantile
Arlington Greens
Black Forest Flour Shop
Carol Gooding - Artist
KMAC Roofing
The LaCroix Group
Auto Butler Car Wash
Rolling Hills Golf Course
Cope Plastics
Spencer T. Olin Golf Course
CNB Bank
Dave & Donna Rintoul
Gail McKeever
Dash the Dachshund
Strang & Parish Law Office
Party on Broadway
Petco - Alton
The Grapevine Children’s Boutique
Melissa Crockett Meske
Mississippi Mud Pottery
Five Below - Alton
Honeybee Vintage
Many Anonymous Donors
Trust Family Auto Sales
Jewel Ride Colman’s Campers
Josephine’s The Wedge Innovation Center
National Memorial of Military Ascent
Cause-Driven Giving: Gifts That Change Lives
Every holiday season brings an opportunity to reflect on what truly matters compassion, generosity, and the joy of helping others. While beautifully wrapped gifts and festive traditions warm our homes, there is a special kind of giving that warms something deeper: the kind that changes lives. This is the heart of cause-driven giving.
Cause-driven gifts go beyond the moment of exchange. They extend kindness outward, touching women in crisis, families in need, veterans seeking support, children discovering confidence, and communities striving to flourish. When you choose a gift that supports a mission, you aren’t just giving an item; you are giving hope, stability, dignity, and possibility.
What makes cause-driven giving so powerful is its ripple effect. A donation made in someone’s honor, a purchased sponsorship that supports a museum or memorial, a bid placed in a charity auction, or a contribution to a local nonprofit doesn’t end with a receipt. It becomes part of a larger story. It fuels medical care for a woman facing uncertainty. It provides resources for veterans and their families. It equips organizations to serve, educate, and uplift. It strengthens the backbone of the community we call home.
These gifts are deeply personal because they carry meaning far beyond the wrapping paper. They honor the values we share: compassion, gratitude, service, and love for our neighbors. For many families, cause-driven giving has become a holiday tradition, a way to teach children the beauty of generosity and to remind ourselves that the holidays are about connection as much as celebration.
Cause-based gifts also provide a way to recognize the people in our lives who “already have everything.” Instead of another candle or sweater,
you can give a gift in their honor that supports a mission they care about, whether it’s empowering women through life-affirming medical care, preserving the legacy of veterans through a national memorial, supporting literacy programs for local children, or investing in arts and culture. These gifts become a tribute, a legacy, and an extension of love.
In choosing cause-driven gifts, you’re also supporting the nonprofits and organizations that keep our communities thriving. Their work is year-round, their needs are ongoing, and their missions rely on the generosity of individuals who believe in making an impact on lives. Your holiday giving becomes the fuel that carries their mission into the new year.
Give with heart.
Give
with purpose.
Give to make a
difference.
This season, consider giving gifts that don’t sit on shelves — gifts that lift spirits, open doors, and transform futures. Let your generosity shine where it is needed most. Whether through donations, sponsorships, memberships, or supporting charity auctions, your giving becomes a beacon of hope in someone’s story.
Because the most meaningful gifts aren’t the ones we hold in our hands. They’re the ones that change the world around us.
One Life-Saving Ultrasound
See Life. Choose Hope. Change a Future.
Your gift of $99 provides one life-saving ultrasound—a moment that can transform everything.
For many women, seeing their baby for the very first time is the turning point. The moment the heartbeat appears on the screen, fear gives way to connection… uncertainty gives way to hope… and decisions become clearer.
Your $99 gift makes this sacred moment possible by providing:
•A medical-grade ultrasound performed by trained professionals
•The chance for a woman to see her baby’s heartbeat
•Accurate medical information she can trust
•A calm, compassionate environment where she feels supported
•Life-affirming encouragement at a crossroads moment
An ultrasound doesn’t just confirm a pregnancy—it reveals life, shifts perspectives, and opens the door to hope, healing, and stronger futures.
Saving A Life (or more than one)
One Gift. One Decision. One Life Forever Changed.
A donation of $2,500 covers the full cost of walking one woman through her entire journey from the moment she steps through our doors in fear… to the moment she chooses hope, life, and a new beginning. Your life-saving gift makes it possible for her to receive:
•Comprehensive medical careincluding pregnancy tests and ultrasounds
•One-on-one advocacy and crisis support
•Parenting education, resources, and long-term stabilization
•Material support for her and her baby through our resource program
•A compassionate team surrounding her with truth, dignity, and love
This is more than a donation.
This is rescue, support, and transformation wrapped into one life-changing gift.
Your $99 can save a life today and change a family forever.
Your generosity writes a new story. Your gift saves a life.
When you give $2,500, you don’t just meet a need you save a life, strengthen a family, and change a legacy for generations to come.
The Art of Shopping for the Impossible Gift Recipient
Choosing the perfect gift can feel like a high-stakes puzzle, especially when the recipient seems to have everything or has very particular tastes. Whether it's a friend, a family member, or a colleague, the challenge of finding something unique and meaningful can be both exciting and daunting. However, fear not! With a thoughtful approach and a dash of creativity, you can navigate this gift-giving conundrum with finesse.
Understand Their Interests and Passions
Start by delving into the recipient's interests and passions. Consider their hobbies, favorite pastimes, or any recent conversations that hinted at something they're excited about. Understanding their interests will guide you towards gift ideas that align with their passions.
Personalize Whenever Possible
Personalization adds a heartfelt touch to any gift. gifts often hold sentimental value and show that you've put in extra thought.
Quality Over Quantity
Instead of opting for numerous small items, focus on finding one high-quality, meaningful gift. It could be an item of excellent craftsmanship or something that resonates deeply with their interests.
Explore Unique and Uncommon Gifts
Unconventional gifts can make a lasting impact. Look for unique items that cater to their specific interests. This might involve searching through specialty stores, artisanal markets, or online platforms that curate one-of-a-kind products.
Remember, the essence of gift-giving lies in the thought behind it. Even if the recipient is hard to buy for, the effort and consideration you put into selecting the gift will be cherished. Embrace the challenge with enthusiasm, and you might just surprise yourself with the perfect gift idea!
Wrap With Heart: How to Make Your Christmas Gifts
Beautiful, Memorable & Earth-Friendly
There’s something magical about a beautifully wrapped Christmas gift. The anticipation… the texture of the paper… the moment of surprise. Each year, millions of pounds of wrapping paper, ribbon, and packaging end up in landfills, used once, tossed away, and forgotten
This year, more families are choosing wrapping methods that feel just as festive and honor the world we live in Sustainable gift wrapping isn’t about sacrificing beauty; it’s about wrapping with intention, creativity, and heart.
With just a few thoughtful choices, your presents can become meaningful keepsakes, not environmental waste
The Beauty of Reusable Wraps
Forget single-use paper. Cloth wraps are making a comeback in the
most stylish way. Soft scarves, patterned fabric squares, and even vintage linens can be tied into elegant folds inspired by the Japanese art of furoshiki. The best part? The wrap becomes part of the gift itself something the recipient can reuse again and again.
It’s an approach that transforms wrapping from an afterthought into a keepsake.
Giving Containersa New Life
Instead of boxes that get tossed, choose containers that begin a new chapter after the holiday glow fades. Glass jars packed with treats, wooden crates filled with surprises, or pretty tins lined with tissue all double as storage, décor, or pantry helpers long after Christmas morning.
It’s gifting with a built-in purpose.
Nature: The Original Designer
Sometimes the most charming accents come from your own backyard Sprigs of evergreen, dried oranges, herbs, cinnamon sticks, or pinecones add warmth and character to even the simplest parcels. Paired with kraft paper and twine, your gifts feel nostalgic, cozy, and beautifully handcrafted, no glitter or plastic bows required.
Plantable Surprises
Seed-embedded wrapping paper is becoming a favorite among ecofriendly gift givers. After the gift is opened, the paper can be planted in soil to grow wildflowers or herbs. Your gift blooms again in the spring, a quiet reminder of your thoughtfulness. Sustainable gift wrapping isn’t a trend it’s a shift in how we think about giving. It encourages creativity, reduces waste, and turns wrapping into an intentional act of love.
Creating a Holiday Home Filled With Heart
As the holidays draw near, our homes become more than decorated spaces, they become the backdrop for the memories we’ll cherish for years to come. Long before the first gift is wrapped, the season is shaped by the small touches that make a house feel joyful, welcoming, and full of heart.
This year, consider crafting a holiday space that reflects more than style. Let it tell your story, where you’ve been, what you value, and who you love most.
Start With Meaningful Pieces
Whether it’s an ornament collected on a special trip, a handmade wreath from a local market, or a vintage item passed down through your family, meaningful décor adds a warmth that can’t be purchased in a store. Choose pieces that evoke memories and invite conversation.
Create Cozy Gathering Spaces
The best holiday moments often happen in the simplest places — curled up on the couch with cocoa, laughing around the dinner table, or sitting by the tree swapping stories. Add soft throws, gentle lighting, and intentional gathering spots to encourage connection.
Blend Tradition With Fresh Inspiration
Maybe this is the year you try a new color palette, embrace a modern minimal tree, or create a themed tablescape. Honor your traditions, but feel free to introduce imaginative twists that refresh your space and spark joy.
Support Local Makers
Handcrafted goods bring a unique charm to any home. From hand-poured candles and artisan ceramics to locally grown greenery, choosing items made in your community supports small businesses while infusing your décor with authenticity.
Celebrate With All the Senses
Scents of cinnamon and pine, the glow of candles, the sound of crackling fireplaces or soft holiday music, these sensory details transform everyday spaces into magical ones.
Your home becomes a living reflection of gratitude. It’s a place where stories unfold, where memories are made, and where love lingers long after the season is gone. When you decorate with intention and fill each corner with meaning, you’re not just preparing your home for the holidays; you’re crafting an atmosphere of warmth, connection, and celebration that will embrace everyone who walks through your door. In the end, that is the true magic of the season, a home that feels lived in, loved in, and full of heart.
Ultimately, creating a holiday home filled with heart is less about perfection and more about presence. It’s about slowing down long enough to notice the glow of the tree, the laughter drifting in from the next room, the comfort of familiar traditions, and the joy of welcoming others into your space.
The Holiday Blues Holiday Magic
The holiday season is often painted as a time of joy, warmth, and celebration. However, for many individuals, it can bring about feelings of sadness, stress, and loneliness. The juxtaposition between the festive cheer surrounding us and our internal emotional landscape can create what is commonly known as the "holiday blues.”
What exactly are the holiday blues? It's a term used to describe a range of emotions that can emerge during the holiday season. These feelings might arise due to various reasons, such as:
Small Moments That Make the Season Bright
The beauty of the holiday season is found not only in the lights or the glittering décor but in the quiet, unexpected moments that make us pause and smile. These small sparks of joy often become the traditions and memories we treasure most.
Maybe it’s the sound of children’s laughter as they decorate cookies, the first snowfall that blankets the world in calm, or the feeling of slipping on your coziest sweater as you settle in for a movie night. These are the moments that remind us of what matters: connection, gratitude, and the simple gift of being together.
Understanding that these feelings are common and acknowledging their validity is the first step in coping with holiday blues.
1)
Area Holiday Light Must-See Displays
WonderLight's Christmas
Dates: November 28–December 28
Times: 6–9 p.m. 5-9 pm on Sat & Sun
Cost: Starts at $10 per car
The "Grandpa Gang" has been at it again, hanging more than 4 million lights in Rock Spring Park for the annual Christmas Wonderland lights display. Rock Springs Park Alton, Illinois.
2)
Missouri Botanical Garden's Garden Glow
Dates: November 18–January 3; closed December 24 & 25
Times: 5–9 p.m.
Cost: Pricing varies Go on Family Night, Wednesdays from Nov. 22–Dec. 13, for discounted children’s admission.
4344 Shaw, St. Louis, MO
3)
U.S. Bank Wild Lights at the Saint Louis Zoo
Dates: Select nights November 28–December 28
Times: 5–8:30 p.m.
Cost: $12–$18
Experience the zoo in a different light decked in millions of lights and featuring animal-themed displays and see a seasonally themed movie at the 4-D theater.
1 Government Dr. St. Louis, MO
4)
WonderLight’s Christmas
Dates: November 17–December 31
Times: 5–10 p.m.
Cost: Starts at $30 per car Drive through World Wide Technology Raceway and an expansive light display. Tune your radio to 89.5 FM, and watch the show sync up with favorite Christmas songs. World Wide Technology Raceway, 1905 Collinsville, Madison, Illinois.
Keep Your Pets Safe This Christmas
The holiday season brings joy, festivities, and a plethora of activities. However, amidst the celebrations, it's crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of our beloved pets. The hustle and bustle, decorations, rich foods, and potential hazards can pose risks to our furry friends. Here are a few essential tips to keep your pets safe and content during this merry time.
1. Mindful Decorations:
•Secure decorations: Hang ornaments out of reach and secure Christmas trees to prevent tipping.
•Pet-friendly decor: Opt for pet-safe decorations and avoid using tinsel, which can be harmful if ingested.
•Candles and lights: Keep an eye on lit candles and ensure wires from lights are safely tucked away to avoid chewing.
2. Holiday Gatherings:
•Safe spaces: Create a quiet retreat for your pet away from the hustle of guests if they feel overwhelmed.
•Watch exits: With people coming and going, ensure pets don’t escape through open doors.
3. Emergency Preparedness:
•Vet contact: Keep your veterinarian’s number handy along with the nearest emergency animal hospital’s information.
•Recognize signs: Be aware of signs of distress or illness and act promptly if you notice any unusual behavior.
Gourmet cakes and seasonal treats free from refined oils and synthetic food coloring.
Meet The TEAM
Lori Saunders Center Manager
Amy Runyan Nurse Manager
Stephanie Stupperich Patient Care Coordinator
Gail McKeever Business Office Administrator
in the Purple Scarf Business Manager
Melton Registered Nurse
Laura Malley Patient Services Advocate
Countless Wonderful Volunteers Will be featured in our next magazine
Girl
Kelli
I sat in my car for almost twenty minutes before I could make myself walk inside.
My hands were shaking so badly I kept wiping them on my jeans, but the fear wouldn’t go away. Three weeks earlier, I had seen two pink lines on a test I never expected to take and in a single instant, my entire world collapsed.
The father wasn’t in the picture. My job felt unstable. My family didn’t know.
And the few people I trusted kept repeating the same words: “Just end it. It’s the only way.”
I said those words to myself over and over as I stared at the clinic door, trying to numb my heart enough to do what everyone else said I should do.
By the time I walked into the waiting room, I felt empty hollow, as if I had already disappeared. “I just need information,” I told the nurse. “That’s all.” But she could see right through me.
She brought me a cup of warm tea because my hands were ice cold. It had been days since I’d slept. I felt trapped, alone, and ashamed all at once. Then, in a trembling whisper, I finally said the thing I had been hiding even from myself: “I don’t want to make this decision… but I feel like I don’t have a choice.”
When the ultrasound began, I refused to look at the screen. I stared at the ceiling, willing myself not to fall apart. The nurse’s voice was soft when she asked, “Would you like to see your baby’s heartbeat?” I hesitated.
Because I knew if I saw anything, my heart might break wide open.
But I nodded.
The Day Everything Changed
-A story from a patient
And the moment I turned my head, everything changed. There it was… a tiny flicker of life.
So small. So fragile. So impossibly alive.
My breath caught. I covered my mouth as tears filled my eyes, real tears, the kind I hadn’t allowed myself to cry in weeks. “That’s… my baby,” I whispered.
The nurse held my hand, and for the first time in a long time, I wasn’t alone.
Something shifted inside me in that moment. Not my circumstances. Not my fears. Me.
A quiet strength rose within me, not because the situation suddenly became easy, but because I finally saw the truth: I did have a choice. And I chose him.
I asked for a picture of the ultrasound and held it like it was something holy. That day changed everything. Today, my little boy has the deepest dimples you’ve ever seen and a laugh that fills my whole house. People say I saved his life, but the truth is… he saved mine too. He gave me purpose when all I felt was panic. He gave me hope when I believed I didn’t deserve any.
Every year, on the day I first walked into that clinic, I look at him and whisper: “I’m so glad I chose you.”
I share my story because I want other women to know what I didn’t: You are stronger than your fear. You are NOT alone. Sometimes the smallest heartbeat can lead you out of the darkest moment.
