Pictures hold memories.
And for many Indianola families, some of the most cherished memories of Christmas are made each year inside 82 Outlet.
On a cold, rainy Thursday afternoon, Santa and Mrs. Claus settled onto the green velvet sofa at the store’s annual pictures with Santa event — an about 15-year-old tradition. Despite the weather, children streamed through the doors in a steady line, each one eager for their moment with the most famous couple from the North Pole.
“I was worried the turnout would be bad,” said the store’s owner, Kim Maxey, because of the weather. “But I was wrong. It was wonderful.”
For two hours on Dec. 4, there were laughter, hugs and excitement as parents, grandparents and other members took pictures that captured not just a child’s holiday wish, but also a memory families will look back on for years.
“It’s just so important, and that’s why I want people in the picture,” said 82 Outlet employee Amy Hawkins, who has been directing the Christmas event for years. “We see Santa and Christmas through children’s eyes. It’s the magic of Christmas. But they need to see that we see it too. Family needs to be in the photo — whether that’s mom and dad, grandparents, or the aunts and uncles.”
The youngest child this year was just 2 months old. One of the oldest was almost 16, who was reluctant about taking an annual picture of Santa with her family. But she was lovingly coaxed into the photo because, as Hawkins told her, “Your grandmother will want this forever.”
“I love pictures. I’m a picture person,” said Hawkins.
Maxey, who opened 82 Outlet in 2005, smiled and agreed, saying, “Amy has made me a picture person.”
Maxey added, “At a certain point in life, you realize pictures are what you have to look back on. You have memories, of course — but the pictures … they take you right back to that moment.”
Hawkins, who started working at the store in 2014 after being a loyal customer for years, refers to the event as Maxey’s “baby.” While it’s hosted at the store, the event was never about drawing shoppers or promoting merchandise. In fact, no one pushes sales during the event. Maxey started it as a way to give a special holiday gift to the community.
The photos are completely free. And there’s no rush, as families can take their time as their children talk to Santa and Mrs. Claus. Then, after children tell Santa their holiday requests and pose for pictures, they are treated to hot cocoa and cookies.
“We want them to know it’s free. Bring your camera,” Hawkins said. “It’s not like going to the mall where you wait in line and have to pick a photo package. We’ll take as many pictures as the family wants.”
Some families who came this year had never been inside the store before. Others return year after year. They have even had groups of children from day care centers, and this year a group from Lockard Elementary School attended.
At 82 Outlet, Maxey and her staff describe themselves as “a close-knit group.” Over the years, many customers have become like family, too.
“We know them personally,” Hawkins said. “We see them at Walmart, in Greenville, at the doctor’s office. Our customers know us, and we know them.”
Some live out of state and return home just to shop here during the holidays. Others call ahead to make sure the staff will be on duty when they come through town.
“We’re blessed to have good customers,” said Maxey.
