PORT TOWNSEND — Christmas Connection volunteers are calling for donations to provide local children with a cheery holiday season despite a bad economy.
The program, organized by the Port Townsend office of the state Department of Health and Human Services, seeks to match families who can’t afford to give their children gifts with those who can shop for those gifts or donate cash for their purchase.
While the economy has increased the need for these donations, not enough donors have emerged to fill the need, according to the program’s director.
“The requests are up because the economy is down,” Denice Irish said.
“But we aren’t getting as many sponsors as we need.”
As of Wednesday, the DHHS office had received requests for about 350 children.
Irish expects more; the program served about 600 children in 2010.
In addition to the family program, the Kiwanis Club is assembling 50 backpacks, stuffing them with such school supplies as notebooks, pens and jump drives, to fulfill requests for supplies.
On Monday, a volunteer staff cataloged all the request cards and placed them in envelopes coded to each family.
The envelopes are being distributed this week to several local businesses where they can be picked up and fulfilled by sponsors.
Those who seek to sponsor a family will pick up an envelope and purchase two items, one fulfilling a need — such as a coat, shoes or other clothing or school supplies — and one granting a wish — such as for a toy or special accessories, etc. — for each child younger than age 18 living in the household.
The program doesn’t accept used toys, even if they are in mint condition.
“The kids deserve something new for Christmas,” said volunteer Barb Trainer.
“They are shopping at Goodwill all year long.”
Irish said sponsors pay about $25 for each child, so donors can request sponsorship of a large or small family, depending on their gift budgets.
Locations of requests
Those wishing to sponsor a family can pick up tags from several locations, including Bank of America, Union Bank, Kitsap Bank, The Silverwater Cafe, The Creperie, Wilson Insurance, Peninsula Paint Co., the Food Co-op, West Bay NAPA Auto Parts, Jefferson Community School, April Fool & Penney Too, Personalize It!, Fountain Chiropractic, Port Townsend Athletic Club, The Undertown, DSHS office and the First Presbyterian Church.
Gifts need to be returned unwrapped to the location from which the tag was picked up no later than Monday.
The first distribution of the gifts will take place next Wednesday, Dec. 14.
Those wishing to donate without sponsoring a family can drop off new, unwrapped toys; children’s clothing; books; or gift cards such as grocery cards or iTunes at the DSHS office or one of the gift boxes at Flagship Landing, 1001 Water St., up until Dec. 16.
These items will be used to fill late requests.
In addition to filling each child’s need and wish, the Christmas Connection program will try to provide each family with a board game, an age-appropriate book and art supplies.
The request forms state that high-priced items such as electronics will not be filled.
Not extravagant
Requests aren’t extravagant.
“Some of the kids ask for a toothbrush and toothpaste, which was not a gift when I was young,” said volunteer Jerry Hutter.
“When I saw that many kids don’t have Christmas, I felt the need to step up.”
Financial donations can be sent or dropped off at the DSHS office, 915 Sheridan St., Suite 201, Port Townsend, WA 98368, and will be used to fulfill late requests.
Checks should be written to the Port Townsend Lighthouse Lions Club and earmarked for Christmas Connection.
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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
