Virgin Valley Food Bank Director Leslee Montgomery, left, prepares to draw two names from the bucket for gift cards to Smith’s Food & Drug Store. People who brought in canned goods to the Simple Indulgence Shopping Event on Nov. 5 were entered into the drawing. Both cards were valued at $25 each and were donated by the vendors at the event. Submitted photo.

Virgin Valley Food Bank Director Leslee Montgomery, left, prepares to draw two names from the bucket for gift cards to Smith’s Food & Drug Store. People who brought in canned goods to the Simple Indulgence Shopping Event on Nov. 5 were entered into the drawing. Both cards were valued at $25 each and were donated by the vendors at the event. Submitted photo.

“I am in complete shock,” said Darlene Montague, organizer of the Simple Indulgence Shopping event.

The response she received from the public proved successful, as she estimates there were over 200 people who came out to peruse the multiple types of products ranging from homemade goods to clothing and candles.

Homemade goods were among the many products available at the first semi-annual Simple Indulgence Shopping event on Nov. 5, including crocheted items ranging from beanie hats to potholders to toilet paper roll covers. Other items available from the many vendors included lotions, clothing, candles and books. Photo by Stephanie Clark.

Homemade goods were among the many products available at the first semi-annual Simple Indulgence Shopping event on Nov. 5, including crocheted items ranging from beanie hats to potholders to toilet paper roll covers. Other items available from the many vendors included lotions, clothing, candles and books. Photo by Stephanie Clark.

With 19 different vendors in attendance, Montague said that she had people signing up right down to the last minute. “This was perfect for the holiday season approaching. We now know what to expect for next time, including the fact that we can accommodate twice as many vendors as we had this time,” she said.

The event was so successful and received such great feedback from both the vendors and the public that Montague is hoping to make the event a semi-annual occurrence, with the next one tentatively scheduled for April.

In addition to providing a convenient spot for people to select crafty holiday gifts, the vendors all pitched in for two $25 gift cards to Smith’s Food & Drug Store. To qualify for those gift cards, visitors needed to bring in canned goods that have now been donated to the Virgin Valley Food Bank. “This is just amazing,” said Leslee Montgomery, Director of the food bank. “We are always so thankful for the community and their willingness to help out!”

Organizer Darlene Montague, left, assists a few of the many customers who bought from her Origami Owl booth at the first Simple Indulgence event held on Nov. 5. Photo by Stephanie Clark.

Organizer Darlene Montague, left, assists a few of the many customers who bought from her Origami Owl booth at the first Simple Indulgence event held on Nov. 5. Photo by Stephanie Clark.

Any vendors interested in signing up for the next event can contact Montague at 702-249-2128.