Published June 30 2015
Bellevue Fire and Parks & Community Services are hosting "Joy in July," a toy and food drive throughout the month. Donations will be collected at all Bellevue fire stations and City Hall.
Though the holidays are a half a year away, the drive aims to gather toys to distribute to children in need this December. With more than 6,000 toys distributed in 2014, the shelves need restocking in order to provide toys for children later this year.
Requested donations include new, unwrapped toys for infants, youth and teens, including books, games, sports equipment, arts and crafts kits, cars/trucks, dolls and plush animals. Ideas for infants include age-appropriate plush animals, toys and gift cards for parents to purchase needed items. Ideas for teens include gift certificates to clothing, restaurants, malls and music stores.
Food is also being collected to help feed children and families this summer. One in five students qualifies for free or reduced meals in the Bellevue School District. With schools out for the summer, it can be difficult for many families to provide food for the family.
The greatest needs for nonperishable food include: canned meals, canned meat, cereal, dry beans, fruit (canned or fresh), pasta, peanut butter, rice, soup, tomato products and vegetables (canned or fresh).
Monetary donations will also be gratefully accepted to help purchase toys or food items. Donation sites include:
- City Hall: 450 110th Ave. NE (downtown)
- Fire Station One: 766 Bellevue Way SE (downtown/West Bellevue)
- Fire Station Two: 2802 148th Ave. SE (Eastgate/Lake Hills/W. Lake Sammamish)
- Fire Station Three: 16100 NE Eighth St. (Crossroads/Northeast Bellevue)
- Fire Station Four: 4216 Factoria Blvd. SE (Factoria/Somerset)
- Fire Station Five: 9621 NE 24th St. (Northwest Bellevue)
- Fire Station Six: 1850 132nd Ave NE (Bridle Trails/Wilburton)
- Fire Station Seven: 11900 SE Eigth St. (Wilburton/Woodridge)
- Fire Station Eight: 5701 Lakemont Blvd. SE (Eastgate/Cougar Mountain)
- Fire Station Nine: 12412 SE 69th Way (Newport)