Published November 25 2014
City employees will entertain and host the kickoff of the 28th annual Season of Sharing gift drive to benefit children, teenagers and families in need. The event runs from noon to 1 p.m., Tuesday, December 2, on the first floor of City Hall, 450 110th Ave. NE.
The community is invited to enjoy musical entertainment by more than a half dozen employees and snack on finger food and desserts, also provided by city staff, during the tree-lighting ceremony.
Eastside social service providers have said there is an ongoing need to fill wishes for families who are struggling this holiday season.
People interested in giving to this annual cause can retrieve a gift wish tag or money envelope from a Season of Sharing tree at City Hall. The requested gift, with the original tag attached, can then be dropped off at designated wooden Season of Sharing boxes; contribution envelopes should be left at the Service First desk; also at City Hall.
A second Season of Sharing tree will be located at Mini City Hall at the Crossroads Shopping Center, at Northeast Eighth Street and 156th Avenue Northeast.
City employees are working with the following nonprofits to provide gifts to people with disabilities and to families: LifeWire (formerly Eastside Domestic Violence), Friends of Youth, Harborview Center for Sexual Assault & Traumatic Stress (formerly Children’s Response Center) and the YWCA Women's Shelter. These organizations support families who may be living in poverty or who want to provide a memorable holiday atmosphere.
The last day to drop off an unwrapped gift or money envelope is Monday, December 15.