GREATER WESTFIELD-A “sisterhood” has evolved this spring – showering surprise gifts to unsuspecting individuals – all in a way to lift spirits during the coronavirus pandemic.
“It has been so much fun to participate in,” said Rebecca Matthew, who is a Facebook member of two private groups, Lifting Spirits with Spirits and Wine Dash-Hampden County.
This new trend of gifting something special to a random stranger during a time of uncertainty has taken off across the country.
Both Facebook groups that Matthew recently joined are private and members must reside in certain communities to ensure gifting deliveries can be made easily. Both of these groups were formed earlier this month.
Matthew explained that buying the items for the gifts, putting everything together, and delivering the gifts “has been a blast.”
Rebecca Matthew is among the many women joining “wine fairy” Facebook groups that surprise others with a basket of goodies to make their day. Pictured is a recent basket Matthew assembled for an unsuspecting Facebook member. (REBECCA MATTHEW PHOTO)
“My daughter Carleigh-Ann has been helping me deliver,” said Matthew. “She loves to dress up in costumes when she delivers, because why not? The first time we went out ‘wine-ing’ she dressed in a pineapple costume. Another time she was in a mouse costume. She loves trying to be sneaky and not get caught. The gift gets left on the porch, you ring the doorbell, and then run. It’s like ding-dong-ditch but a lot more fun.”
While Matthew and others have become “wine fairies” as they are known, she is quick to point out that even though the groups are called “wine groups,” there are plenty of non-drinkers in the groups.
“The delivery does not have to include alcohol,” said Matthew. “Teas, coffees and seltzers are among things that people put for their preferences. There are lots of sober friends in the groups, so you do not have to drink to participate.”
Matthew said the process to join is similar among groups and includes adding your name, address and drink and/or snack preferences to the album for your city.
“People choose who to ‘wine’ from the list of names and addresses,” she said. “The gift you deliver can be as simple as a bottle of wine or whatever their drink of choice is, or extravagant like a large basket with drinks, snacks, and little treasures. It’s completely up to the gifter, and anything is appreciated.”
Lisa Wengert, who belongs to the Sisterhood of the Traveling Wine for Massachusetts and Connecticut, and the Western Mass Wine Dashers, shared a similar sentiment.
Lisa Wengert is among a growing number of area residents joining Facebook groups that surprise others with baskets of goodies – from wines to coffees and treats. (LISA WENGERT PHOTO)
“I joined a few weeks ago and have already wined 18 women,” said Wengert. “I enjoy it because I believe especially in these trying times it is important to stay united. We will get through this together and I feel these groups exemplify that perfectly.”
Wengert has also enlisted her daughter Sophia to help in the endeavor.
Sophia Wengert, 8, is helping her mom put together baskets that are being left on door steps to brighten one’s day. (LISA WENGERT PHOTO)
“Sophia quickly caught on to what I was doing and thought it was very fun so we picked one of the women I wined that had a young son and juiced him,” said Wengert. “I want my kids to know that in a world where you can be anything, always be kind.”
Annie Bartlett, also a member of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Wine, has recruited her daughters to help make baskets to surprise others.
“It was so uplifting to see all these women gifting to others for the sole purpose of lifting their spirits and making them smile,” said Bartlett. “I was wined twice by some amazing fairies. I can’t even describe the feeling I had when I opened the door and saw baskets on my porch. It was like an adult version of Christmas.”
Bartlett’s daughters are also all in with helping make a day brighter for another woman.
Annie Bartlett, center, recruits her daughters Kaelyn, 10, and Olivia, 8, to make “wine fairy baskets” that will brighten someone’s day. The baskets include face masks, hair masks, candy, crackers, cups, mineral bath soaks, candles, paper lanterns, eye masks, a serving dish and, of course, wine. (JUSTIN DEKARZ PHOTO)
“It makes me feel good to give people things and know that it will make them happy,” said Olivia Bartlett. “I think it’s important to make people happy because some people can’t see their family and by leaving a surprise gift, it’s letting that person know that someone is thinking of them.”
Kaelyn Bartlett concurred.
“It makes me feel nice that I’m doing things for other people who may not be feeling their best because we can’t do anything or see anybody right now because of COVID,” said Kaelyn Bartlett. “It’s nice to know that we can make people happy with our gifts.”
“I think it’s a great thing to be able to show your kids that a simple act of kindness is always a positive thing,” said Annie Bartlett, adding, “that giving and not expecting anything in return is even nicer. That comes from the heart.”
Matthew added that the “most exciting part” of the endeavor is waiting for the recipient to post a picture of their gift with their thank you.
“Seeing how excited people are over their gift is the best,” said Matthew. “Knowing you made someone’s day is great. Everyone is having a hard time right now, in one way or another. Simple things like this can really make someone’s day. I know that when I’ve been the recipient, it was the greatest feeling ever.”
When the Westfield News asked area residents on two local community forum Facebook pages what they thought of the latest trend – the response was positive and immediate.
“Been wined and wine fairied,” said Kristin Carlson. “It’s a beautiful thing to be a part of.”
Jenette Blascak echoed that sentiment.
“Was a wine fairy for the first time today,” said Blascak. “Her daughters saw me in the window but she didn’t … lol. I was wined on Saturday and when I saw it on the porch I felt like a child on Christmas. Seriously loving this group.”
Since the groups continue to grow in popularity, one can expect that other “wine fairy” groups will surface on Facebook, and maybe even Susan Strackbein Vogel will get her wish – “I would prefer an ice cream fairy,” she said.
