By Terra Avilla
You know those people who just make your day better by simply existing? That’s Denise Hunrath for us here in Lassen County. If you’ve ever shopped at our local Walmart, you’ve probably been touched by her warmth without even realizing it.
Just this week, I saw something that got me all riled up. I get it – we are in the peak of the holiday madness and there was clearly a frazzled customer who was at her wit’s end. I heard her snapping at Denise over something that was clearly not Denise fault, and I felt my anger rise.
Number 1: you don’t treat anyone like that, and number 2: you don’t dare treat my Denise like that. But before I could even think to step in, Denise worked her magic.
With a smile that could melt the North Pole, Denise sorted out the issue.
It wasn’t just what she did, but how she did it – with a kindness so genuine it made me just want to give her a huge hug and tell her I appreciate her.
But here’s the thing about Denise that really gets me: her heart for the kids in our community. Every time there’s a fundraiser for little ones, Denise is there, quietly slipping money into the pot. I swear, if a child in Lassen County so much as sneezes, Denise is ready with a tissue and a donation.
The kicker? She never wants credit. I can’t tell you how many times she’s tried to press money into my hand for various causes, always with a “Shh, no need to mention me, sweetie.” It’s like she’s got this secret mission to make every kid’s life a little brighter.
And when’s she’s not giving a donation; she’s donating her time.
Folks, Denise Hunrath isn’t just a Walmart employee. She’s one of the heartbeats of our community, a living, breathing reminder of what makes this place special. In a world that can sometimes feel cold and uncaring, Denise is our very own warm hug.
Denise is also a very proud momma, and all-around wonderful human.
So next time you’re in Walmart, wrestling with your shopping cart and your sanity, look for Denise.
That kind smile and gentle hello? It’s not just good customer service. It’s a little piece of what makes Lassen County home.
And while she’d be the last to ask for it, I think it’s high time we all showed Denise just how much she means to us. Because in this little corner of the world, Denise Hunrath isn’t just a friendly face – she’s family.
