Smock’s Annual Sip and Shop brings holiday cheer and philanthropy to Syracuse

For the savvy shopper looking to amp their gift-wrapping game, Smock — Syracuse’s environmentally-minded letterpress — will be holding their 2nd Annual Sip and Shop event on Dec. 4 and 5. 

The event, held at Delavan Art gallery on West Fayette Street on Wednesday at 3 p.m. and Thursday at 7 p.m., will have baked goods from The Sweet Praxis, drinks from Recess Coffee and Roastery and discounted products from Smock. The event also hits the kid-friendly mark; holiday coloring pages will be available for customers of all ages. 

The letterpress’ usage of recycled material, biodegradable packaging and vegetable oil-based ink seems to be a hit with the Syracuse community, due to Smock’s recent success with sidewalk sales. But it’s the company’s dedication to local causes that heralds a stronger connection.

This year, the company partnered with the Food Bank of Central New York in an effort to highlight the food supplier’s 261 emergency food programs. At this week’s events, customers who donate a nonperishable food item will receive 15 percent off their entire purchase.

For Lynn Hy, the Food Bank of CNY’s director of philanthropy, Smock’s partnership with the organization acts as a form of outreach for hunger relief.

“The event represents a segment of the community who isn’t really aware of what we do,” Hy said. “It’s a great way to reach out to those communities.”

The partnership comes at a relevant holiday time for company’s focused on charitable missions. And with last year’s distribution of enough food for more than 11 million meals, the food bank’s involvement in this year’s Sip & Shop will create a substantial amount of interest.

Smock’s holiday spirit isn’t quite out of the ordinary for a company that “believes in creating beautiful things,” a motto they proudly tote on their website.   

For Erika Henriksen, working as the marketing manager for Smock Letterpress gave her an opportunity to act out on her obsession with paper goods—and to work for a company focused on changing the world.

Henriksen, who first started at Smock’s wedding invitation company, takes pride in the company’s light-hearted but dedicated activism.

“I love that both lines create the most beautiful products without leaving a nasty environmental footprint,” said Henriksen, who started working for Smock after graduating from St. John Fisher College in Rochester. “The products that we create here are just gorgeous.”

The Sip and Shop event represents the company’s image. With an array of activities, refreshments and beautifully crafted bamboo paper, the event will show the community what the business is all about. For Henriksen, the company’s involvement with the food bank elevates Smock’s dedication to creating a better world. 

“Typically, we tend to focus on supporting environmental organizations,” Henricksen said. “But for this event, with the holiday season being the theme, we wanted to support a local organization that's making a difference to people right here in our community.”

Customers can expect what Henriksen calls “a fun night of holiday shopping.”

“We're going to have holiday crafting stations set up, so visitors can also make holiday bows or decorate their own gift wrap,” she said. “Plus, we'll have lots of holiday decorations on display.” 

Customers will also get a chance to commemorate the event at a photo booth set up by AB Photography. 

“We've been really excited about the response at local events—the Salt & Pepper Markets, Buy Local Bash—and we wanted to give them another opportunity to buy local and have a fun time doing it,” Henriksen said. 

The local appeal makes for a night of philanthropy and connection.