Harvey Lyman started what would later become Grow West in 1951. But three years before that, he was instrumental in building the foundation for what’s today one of the company’s most important community events. It’s one close to the heart of Harvey’s son and current Grow West Chairman Les Lyman, or as he calls himself this time of year, “backup Santa.” 

The elder Lyman was a charter member of the Rotary Club of Walnut Grove in 1948. The Rotary International organization, first started in Chicago in 1905, brings community leaders together who share a single goal: humanitarian service that addresses the challenges in each club’s community and around the world.  

That’s exactly the legacy that Les Lyman and others at Grow West are doing. Abroad, the Rotary Club of Walnut Grove supports a dental clinic in Baja, Mexico, that serves local residents of small villages and surrounding remote areas. But the club’s more local effort is one that brings out the spirit of the holiday season in everyone from Grow West who participates. That includes Lyman, who serves as the backup to North Valley Sales Manager Gary Silveria, who has long served as Santa Claus in delivering gifts to children in the community at the Walnut Grove Elementary Toy Drive. In its 14th year, the toy drive delivers smiles and makes good on the original Rotary International charge of service to the community and the Lyman family.  

“It can get awfully hot in that Santa suit. And we may not have a sleigh and reindeer, but a red ATV works pretty well for us,” Lyman said, crediting Silviera’s “heavy lifting” for the toy drive’s success over the years. “The Christmas toy drive is for me the right thing to do for our business and in our community. It’s so gratifying to be able to participate and see the excitement on these kids’ faces. For me, the toy drive is personal.”    

Each year, the Walnut Grove Elementary Toy Drive provides Christmas gifts for between 150 and 170 students from preschool to sixth grade. Grow West Director of Financial Services Jessica English plays a hugely important role: armed with a spreadsheet of children’s names and gift preferences, she personally shops for many of the children. She’s one of Santa’s helpers. Like Lyman, it’s not just part of her job. It’s part of her.  

“This is where I grew up and went to school. These are my roots. So it’s awesome to work for a company that really gives back to this community and gives me the opportunity to give back too,” said English, adding her own daughter attended the very school where the toy drive happens. “This time of year can be a real struggle for a lot of families in our community, so we are just thankful that we get to do what we can for these kids in our community.” 

With a population of 1,288 and most residents professionally connected to agriculture, some in Walnut Grove struggle to provide for their families during the holidays, especially underserved members of the community. The toy drive offers a boost to parents and provides an opportunity for them to partner with Grow West and the elementary school in wrapping and distributing personalized gifts to their children. In some cases, it’s the only Christmas gift these children will receive.   

The holiday cheer from the toy drive in recent years has spread to neighboring communities, where similar holiday activities have been established for students at other elementary schools.    

“It’s incredible to see how something so simple can impact so many,” English said. “We never anticipated for the toy drive to have this kind of reach. But seeing our communities rally together during this time of year is heartwarming.”  

As Grow West gears up for another holiday toy drive in Walnut Grove, Lyman said he and others at the company are reminded of their partnerships with customers, local organizations, businesses and industry members that have provided something so memorable and valuable to the communities in which they live and work.  

“Regardless of whose idea it is, we’re proud of the partnerships built and how we work together,” Lyman said. “What we do through this toy drive truly makes a difference in the lives of others. It’s an honor to be a part of the partnerships that make it all happen.”