The ‘Tis the Season Holiday Giving Program, in partnership with our friends at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue and Rainier Athletes, is one of our favorite times of the year because it brings community members together in a festive spirit of generosity, celebration, and care.
This week, we welcomed 217 families to our festive holiday gift room, where parents and caregivers chose gifts their children would love, need, and genuinely be excited to open. This focus on choice is at the heart of the program.
For families experiencing financial hardship, budgets are already stretched thin, and there often isn’t extra for toys, warm clothing, or festive treats. The holiday giving program helps to lift that weight by offering parents the dignity of choosing gifts that fit their children’s ages and interests, as well as the chance to create joyful moments that might otherwise feel out of reach.
None of this would be possible without our incredible community.
Donors filled the gift room with hundreds of thoughtful presents, from dolls and winter gear to basketballs, games, and gift cards.
Families also received handmade holiday treat baskets, including cocoa kits, baking sets, craft bundles, and more, lovingly assembled by community members who wanted to make the season feel extra special.
We’re especially grateful to the Bacon Family Foundation for their leadership and generosity this year. They hosted a holiday party with their friends and families to raise awareness and rally gift donations, joined us in transforming the gift room into a welcoming space, and even wrapped gifts selected by families. Their commitment helped ensure every child walked away with something meaningful and every parent felt supported.
A heartfelt thank you to our local partners who donated free holiday activity tickets, including the Bellevue Downtown Association, which donated tickets to the Bellevue Downtown Ice Rink, the City of Bellevue, which donated tickets to the Bellevue Botanical Garden, and the Woodland Park Zoo and Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum, which donated tickets for families. These experiences offer families the opportunity to create cherished holiday memories together.
And of course, our dedicated volunteers brought the entire program to life. From decorating and organizing the gift room to wrapping gifts, their enthusiasm created an environment filled with warmth.
Because of you—our donors, volunteers, partners, and supporters—more than 440 children will experience the joy, magic, and togetherness that make the holidays special. Thank you!
