Hyland Software Employees Take A Break For Holiday Shopping

The holidays have arrived at where employees got the chance to get a jump on their holiday shopping during lunch on Tuesday. Hundreds of employees stepped away from their desks to peruse the many offerings from local artists, bakers, photographers and more.

Colleen Alber, a product evangelist, said she found plenty of holiday cheer while taking a late lunch break.

"It's mostly for myself," she laughed, adding that she would share her cake pops with her husband when she got home. "There's all kinds of stuff like baked goods and jewelry and local artists. Some of the vendors are actually employees here who have a business on the side."

Hilary Corbett, a media specialist with Hyland, decided to sell her pet portraits at the holiday bazaar for the first time this year. Corbett, who also sells her wares on her Etsy site, said she saw some good traffic during the sale.

"I've been a painter forever," she said. "I thought I'd actually try to sell some this year. I've gotten some inquiries, so it's been pretty interesting."

Melissa Thurstone, community development director, was there selling handmade Christmas tree ornaments, donation cards and T-shirts. Kids involved in the program created the glass or wooden decorations as an arts and crafts project.

"We've had hundreds of people come by and we've sold quite a few," Thurstone said. "The ornaments and the cards both make for great, non-traditional gifts."

The ornaments and donation cards (which are available in any denomination) will continue to be available through Christmas by calling the Youth Challenge office at 440-892-1001.