13th Annual Kid’s Project Day at Lake Chelan Building Supply

Lake Chelan Building Supply held their 13th Annual Kid’s Project Day on December 3, from 9:00 to 12:00 at the Manson store. “Mark Arneson and I started Kid’s Project Day 13 years ago as a fun way to give back to the kids in our community, no strings attached. It was so successful we continued on and here we are 13 years later,” said Brett La Mar, Marketing Manager for Lake Chelan Building Supply’s parent company, TAL Holdings.

The event got underway with Santa arriving in a Manson firetruck driven by Fire Chief, Arnold Baker. A special chair was set up in the work area and soon children were sitting on Santa’s lap, asking for special gifts. There was a variety of Christmas treats and of course, photos with Santa, then off to the work bench.

Mark Arneson worked for Lake Chelan Building Supply for 13 years and retired in 2020. Mark and his wife, Annette remain involved in the Kid’s Project Day. Mark pre-cuts boards and drills holes, making it easy for the kids to nail parts together. Annette helps with decorations and treats.

“I would like to give a shout out to Ore-Pak, one of our suppliers out of Spokane. They have donated pine boards needed for the Christmas projects for the entire 13 years,” Mark said. Since retirement, Mark does all the prep work for the event at his home in Waterville.

Volunteers from North Shore Bible Church helped the kids put bird houses together. The sound of hammers pounding nails was earsplitting but a happy sound. By the end of the day, over sixty bird houses were built and after an inspection from Santa, taken home as presents to place under the Christmas tree.

We are truly blessed to live in such a giving community. Many Manson Chamber of Commerce businesses give back to our community in a variety of ways. Today we thank Lake Chelan Building Supply for sharing the joy of Christmas with our community.

By Norm Manly

Community Volunteer