Joey’s Stockings, The Mill & Coca-Cola Consolidated raise record-setting amount for Open Doors of Washington Township
By AMY ADAMS
news@readthereporter.com
It’s a tradition at The Mill Tavern in Westfield.
Each year, around the holidays, owners Christopher and Kristin Weiler hold a fundraiser they call Joey’s Stockings. Patrons, known as the Milligans, have the opportunity to purchase a paper stocking, or other festive symbol, for $5. The Mill then puts the money collected toward a worthy cause.
For the past four or five years, The Mill has matched the funds raised and donated it to support Open Doors of Westfield Township.
This year, for the first time, Coca-Cola Consolidated came alongside The Mill in their efforts. The Milligans raised around $3,000. The Mill matched that to make $6,000. Then Coca-Cola Consolidated matched that total.
On Friday, Jan. 24, Open Doors accepted a check in the amount of $12,000.
This donation is particularly well-timed according to Open Doors Treasurer Jerry Rosenberger as the organization holds the Thanksgiving Food Giveaway and Christmas Toy and Food Giveaway back to back at the end of each year.
“It’s really important to recover the costs of those major projects,” Rosenberger said. “It’s significant for us.”
Mandi Snyder, community relations manager for Coca-Cola Consolidated, said she first developed a relationship with The Mill Tavern as a patron. She realized they didn’t have any Coca-Cola cups and made arrangements to get them some. That conversation led to discussions about Joey’s Stockings.
The fundraiser first began to raise money for Chris Weiler’s family members when his young nephew passed away after health complications.
“We were blown away with the response we got,” Kristin Weiler said. “We thought maybe we can keep this going and do it for other people.”
That’s exactly what they did. They cover the walls in wrapping paper and patrons fill them with notes written on colorful stockings, wreaths, snowmen, and more.
“It’s really great that they carry on that tradition,” Open Doors Vice President Kurt Wanninger said. “It’s been growing throughout the years, and it really makes the place festive.”
The fundraiser provided the perfect opportunity for Coca-Cola Consolidated, which looks to invest in the local community.
“I’m trying to do more with businesses, and The Mill just kind of kicked it off for us,” Snyder said. “I also feel like we can make a greater impact with smaller pantries.”
Joey’s “Stockings” at The Mill Tavern raise money for Open Doors of Washington Township. (Photo provided by Kristin Weiler)
Open Doors is the only local pantry dedicated to serving Washington Township. The pantry works with between 180 to 200 families a month, according to Rosenberger. Families come in once a week and can visit the pantry as needed.
“Everything is free at Open Doors,” Rosenberger said. “We’re 100 percent volunteers, and we’re really proud of that. No one gets paid.”
Wanninger said that people who volunteer once with Open Doors often become regular volunteers.
“It’s addictive,” said Pantry Coordinator Margie Smith, who volunteers an average of 15 to 20 hours a week.
In addition to canned goods, clothing, children’s books, and a few small household items, Open Doors also works with Kroger on Carey Road, Market District on Tournament Trail, and Titus Bakery on Wheeler Road to pick up produce and baked goods to round out clients’ diets. Open Doors is even able to share some of that surplus with other area pantries, such as Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana and Midwest Food Bank.
“Nothing goes unused in this place,” Wanninger said.
Wanninger and Larrison described to Snyder and Weiler how the large cardboard presentation check would even be used to support bread so that it doesn’t get crushed.
Open Doors is located at 19360 Tomlinson Road in Westfield and is open Mondays from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., and Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 9 to 11:30 a.m. A collection box is located on the west side of the building. For information about donating and volunteering or receiving help, visit opendoorswestfield.org.
The Mill Tavern is located at 226 W. 161st St. in Westfield and is open to patrons 21 and over on Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sundays from 3 to 11 p.m., and is closed on Mondays. Visit barwestfield.com to see the menu.
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