AUXVASSE, Mo. - As far as Christmas stories go, one that just occurred in Auxvasse must rate pretty high on Santa's nice list.
It started with a few people raising funds to buy a special present for seniors at North Callaway Senior Center, and finished with just about everyone in the small farming community getting involved.
Initially, a fund-raising drive began with employees of Casey's General Store asking customers - the younger ones - for spare change, according to store manager Bobbie Wallace.
"We had to be careful because we didn't want the senior citizens to find out," she said, laughing. "Our goal was to buy them a bench."
Money came rolling in.
"Everybody was giving change," Wallace said. "Then enough money came in to get them the bench and a bistro set."
A local hog farmer jumped aboard.
"Kenny Brinker donated a whole hog, and R&R Processing processed it and we auctioned the hog," Wallace said.
The high bidder paid $325. Other donations poured in - penny by penny, dollar by dollar, $10 here and there, and even some $20 bills.
"We raised close to $2,000," Wallace added.
That helped the special Santas add a second bistro set to the mix. Then came two rocking chairs, too.
Wallace gathered some large Ball jars and filled them with small gifts such as useful toiletries. She bought gloved oven mitts and filled them, like stockings, with presents, then wrapped festive ribbon around them.
In all, 22 businesses from as far away as Fulton joined in. Helper Ray Wallace assembled the lawn furniture. Bags of toiletries were acquired. A market donated 80 pounds of beef, enough for every household at the senior center to receive 2 pounds each.
"Some guy just gave me three cases of Dove shampoo and conditioner and bath wash," Wallace said.
Then came the Friday morning surprise unveiling and Christmas party at the senior center, including frosted cookies and pizza donated by Casey's.
"It's unbelievable," said Nancy Wood, manager of the center and its 40 residents. "We're just in awe of all of it."
Wood said some of the furniture pieces will go into the community's gazebo and some will go on the patio next to the gathering space.
Senior Patsy Click said she loved the furniture. Another resident, Mary Nichols, also said she was impressed and appreciative.
"I think it's nice that they did this," she said. "This is the first time they've ever done this, and I've been out here for a lot of years."
Bonni English has lived there four years, she said, "But this is definitely the high point."
Friday's holiday event wasn't the only one, English added.
"The board of directors had a Christmas dinner for us, too," she said. "Every year, they cook for us."
Wallace said making the holidays bright this year for the seniors was a rewarding experience.
"And I want everyone to know Casey's didn't do it," she added. "Everybody did it."