Little Shoppers exhausting but worthwhile

“No matter what, hang on to the part of you that gasps at a beautiful sunset or gets super excited about a new notebook or a freshly baked cupcake, or a dog you just met on the street. Allow yourself to be regularly startled and humbled by joy.” Thank you, Wende Crowe, for the reminder. 

Over 500 gifts went out the door on Saturday for Little Shoppers. Whew. It is an exhausting day, but we are already thinking ahead to next year. If you hit any after-Christmas sales, please consider tissue paper, small gift bags, small toys or books, gifts for dads and moms. No tags or bows are needed. 

Thank you Buffy Crumrine, Brendyn DeShazer, Conner DeShazer, Jace Davison, Big Horn County maintenance staffers, Cys Sylvester, Paintrock FFA, Greybull FFA, Sawyer Yarborough and Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints missionaries for your help. Thank you also to B&B Concessions for always being there and donating hot dogs/drinks to the kids who shop. 

We try to keep up with all our members’ events, but please remember to email us what you want in Chamber Chat by Sundays at 5. 

Chamber member news: 

• Basin Area Food Pantry: If you would like to donate a ham for the Christmas baskets, please call 307-250-1678. The baskets will be given out Dec. 20, 9-10 a.m., to those experiencing food insecurity. There is still time to adopt a Christmas basket. Pick up an empty bag at Basin’s Market or Security State Bank. Inside is a shopping list. Return the filled bag to either location or the chamber. 

• Big Horn County: Ugly sweater contest, Dec. 18 at the library in Basin. Judging starts at 2 p.m.  

• Friends of Medicine Lodge: To celebrate 2026’s First Day Hike at Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site, Friends of Medicine Lodge will have a drawing for a $50 gift card to our online shop. Need to be present to add name to drawing, but don’t need to be present to win it. We hope to see you there Jan. 1 at 11 a.m.

• Wyoming Retirement Center: Christmas on the Hill with sweet treats, hot cocoa and games. Dec. 19 at 6:30 p.m. Silent auction baskets too. Everyone is welcome!

• Security State Bank: Security State Bank is collecting new socks in various sizes and styles now thru Dec. 19 for our “Socks for Seniors” event. Donations will benefit the wonderful residents at the Basin Retirement Center.  Your kindness makes a big impact; thank you for supporting our local seniors.  The bank is doing an escape room on Dec 20 as a fundraiser for our scholarship fund.  

• Camp Bethel: Don’t forget to make plans and get registered for our upcoming New Year’s celebration Dec. 31. You can find information and register for the event at https://www.campbethelwyo.com/new-years-family-celebration. They look forward to seeing you!