When Aspen Insulation learned they had been named the top insulation company in the nation by Insulate America—a cooperative network of more than 150 small, locally owned insulation businesses across the country—owner Joel Oscarson knew exactly how he wanted to celebrate the honor. Rather than keeping the recognition to themselves, the team decided to share it with the community that has supported them for years.
As part of the award, Aspen Insulation received $10,000. Half was distributed among employees, and the other half was donated to Something Positive, a Pahrump-based nonprofit led by Stephanie Avena and Harry Means that has spent 15 years making sure local children wake up to a joyful Christmas morning.
Oscarson explained that Insulate America connects small businesses like his to create shared strength through purchasing power, scholarships, and community outreach. “We were selected based on our contributions and reviews as the best insulation company in the nation,” he said. “They offered us a cash reward, and we wanted to make sure part of it went right back into Pahrump for the kids.”
Choosing Something Positive was an easy decision. “We’ve been donating to them on and off for about a decade,” Oscarson said. “They’re always involved in the community, and we know that money stays here—it doesn’t go anywhere else. It’s always used to help local families.”
Avena and Means were moved by the donation, explaining that the funds will go directly toward purchasing toys and gifts for children during their annual Christmas drive. “We’re going shopping!” Avena said with a laugh. “This $5,000 will help us fulfill the Christmas wishes of a lot of local families—definitely more than 15 or 20.” Means added that the organization is careful and strategic with how every dollar is spent. “I shop on a budget,” he joked. “We’ll make sure every bit of it goes as far as possible.”
Each year, families in need apply for assistance by sharing their stories and the number of children in their household. “It’s need-based,” Means explained. “We review each application as a board and prioritize based on what’s happening in their lives. We want to help as many as possible.”
When Something Positive steps in, families receive a full Christmas—not just a few presents. “We buy three to five gifts per child, depending on their age,” Avena said. “We provide everything—so the families don’t have to do anything at all. We wrap the gifts, Santa comes along to deliver them, and they can take pictures. If a family doesn’t have a Christmas tree, we make sure they get one too.”
This year marks the 15th anniversary of Something Positive’s Christmas program, and the need continues to grow. The nonprofit is currently accepting both family applications and community donations. “Our golf tournament brought in over $20,000 this year, and we’re sitting at $37,000 total so far,” Avena said. “Our goal is between $42,000 and $45,000, and this donation from Aspen Insulation brings us even closer.” Last year, the organization spent around $30,000 providing Christmas for 75 families, coming out of their personal pockets to fill in the gaps, and hopes to meet or exceed that again in 2025.
Avena noted that anyone wishing to contribute can contact her directly. Donations of $350 or more include sponsor recognition through advertising, but all contributions—large or small—make a difference. “We’ll have articles, social media posts, and flyers going out to keep spreading the word,” she said.
Oscarson, who has supported local causes for years, said this kind of partnership represents what community is all about. “This is really special for us,” he said. “We couldn’t do it without the support of our co-op, Insulate America, which started this effort more than 20 years ago. They’ve helped make it possible for local contractors like us to give back in meaningful ways.”
Avena smiled, adding, “Everything I’ve done in this community is thanks to people like Joel. I could go to Joel and he’s always said, ‘Absolutely, I’m in.’ Because of people like him, these families get to have Christmas.”
Aspen Insulation is located in Pahrump and can be found online at AspenInsulationPahrump.com or on Facebook. Something Positive continues to accept donations to meet their holiday goals. Those wishing to help can reach out to Stephanie Avena directly or follow the organization’s updates on social media as the community gears up for another season of giving.
