Hundreds of Families Receive Holiday Cheer Thanks to Hike Kidz and Wind River Chimes

A powerful example of community collaboration unfolded this week at First Baptist Church in Front Royal, as the Hike Kids Foundation, Wind River Chimes, and numerous local partners joined forces to deliver over 200 premium Christmas gift boxes to families in need throughout Warren County.

The event was spearheaded by Amber Veitenthal, President of the Hike Kids Foundation; Michael Williams, Interim Pastor at First Baptist Church; and Patty Baisden, co-founder of Wind River Chimes in Manassas Park. Joining them were Wind River VP of Sales Luke Croushorn, company co-founder and President Jamie Baisden, and a dedicated team of volunteers and Rotarians from across the region.

A $40,000 Donation in Gift Boxes

The centerpiece of the initiative: over 200 exquisitely curated “12 Days of Christmas” gift boxes from Wind River Chimes. Originally assembled as a holiday retail product, each box contains 12 individually wrapped, American-made gifts valued at over $400—a total donation of more than $40,000.

Pastor Michael Williams, Patty Baisden of Wind River Chimes, and Amber Veitenthal of the Hike Kids Foundation stand together with boxes of Christmas gifts—part of a donation of over 120 curated holiday boxes, each filled with U.S.-made items for local families in need.

Patty Baisden, who coordinated the donation, said the idea came together quickly.

“I reached out to Michael [Williams] and asked if he could help find homes for these beautiful boxes. Within two days, everything was organized,” Baisden said. “Each box contains hand-selected items from small U.S. manufacturers—everything from candles and scarves to a peppermint straw, a journal, a peace dove ornament, and even a Wind River chime.”

The boxes are intended for parents and guardians in Warren County who often go unnoticed during the holidays.

“Every child deserves joy on Christmas, but so do the parents who are holding things together,” said Veitenthal. “Each guardian will receive one of these special boxes, beautifully wrapped, so they too have something to open on Christmas morning.”

The Power of Partnerships

The effort was a true community collaboration, bringing together church members, civic organizations, and business sponsors. Veitenthal praised participating groups, including Brick House Bar & Grill, First Bank, IHOP, Front Royal Moose Lodge, C&C Frozen Treats, the Good Lions, Stone Branch Center for the Arts, and Play Favorites—many of whom hosted Christmas giving trees for the Hike Kids program.

Amber Veitenthal, president of the Hike Kids Foundation, stands in front of a stage filled with wrapped gifts and donations—part of a community effort to provide Christmas presents for over 150 local children and their families.

Thanks to their support, Hike Kids is providing a full Christmas to:

• 59 guardians
• 191 children
• 250 total individuals

In addition to toys and essential items, many families will receive beds, furniture, diapers, electric scooters, and more. Everything is housed and distributed from the newly launched Hike Kids Hub inside the First Baptist Church—a dedicated space made possible by the church’s generosity.

“We wanted to create a year-round space where we can receive and organize donations,” said Veitenthal. “From clothing and shoes to school blazers and winter coats, we’re ready to meet needs throughout the year, not just at Christmas.”

What’s Next?

Hike Kids Foundation isn’t slowing down after Christmas. On January 17, they’ll host the Fire and Ice Golf Tournament to raise money for the Grace Fund, which provides emergency shelter to women and children. Even deeper community investment is on the horizon, as the organization begins planning a local housing initiative with larger community partners in 2026.

“We don’t scale anything small,” Veitenthal said with a smile. “But none of it’s possible without these partnerships. That’s what makes Front Royal so special—we come together when it matters.”

As the last truckload of boxes was unloaded and organized, volunteers reflected on the impact of what had just happened.

“In just 48 hours, we went from an idea to 200 families being blessed with Christmas,” said Jamie Baisden. “That’s the magic of giving.”