By Heather Hunter | Cover Photo by Tony Cardenas
CARMEL, IN – On the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, Under the stage lights of Feinstein’s in Hotel Carmichael, Synergize members and guests gathered to help bring Christmas spirit to local families at the group’s monthly 4:30 Meetup.
This 4:30 Meetup’s beneficiary was Mercy Christmas. An organization operating out of the Northwest Campus of Mercy Road Church, Mercy Christmas gives local families a fun opportunity to “shop” for Christmas presents and throws them a fun holiday celebration. Created and led by Cynthia Whitaker and Alicia Fetter, the organization helps hundreds of local families each year.
Each family who shops through Mercy Christmas receives fun toys and a family game, in addition to other items. Mercy Christmas also partners with Indy Hygiene Hub, another local organization, to provide necessary cleaning and hygiene supplies to these families.
“These kids are so excited to get the toys, but they’re also so happy to get things like coats and groceries,” said Cynthia Whitaker of Mercy Christmas, who spoke at the event. “The happiness on their faces is something that sticks with you.”
This year, Mercy Christmas will host their shopping experience at Mercy Road Northwest on Saturday, December 16. Those who wish to help, either by volunteering or donating, can do so at mercychristmas.com.
“Mercy Christmas is a special organization. I love these events because it gives us all an opportunity to connect with the organization and hear the real story behind why they do what they do,” said Jamie Hopper, a Synergize member who attended and spoke at the event.
Mercy Christmas is the tenth organization Synergize has benefited at a 4:30 Meetup in 2023. The organizations are selected ahead of time by Synergize members and Corporate Sponsors, and every membership and non-member ticket for that month includes a donation to the cause.
“Impact has always been a pillar of Synergize. We’ve had a lot of changes this year, good ones, but the impact is something that will never change,” said Arron Stanton, co-owner of Synergize. “We build community, and community is built from supporting each other.”
In January, Synergize will begin its fifth year of operations in Carmel. For people who desire community, this impactful social organization has dozens of opportunities for its members to build real relationships in whatever way is authentic to them. Learn more and get involved at www.synergizeindy.com.