EVERETT, Wash. -- For the month of December, The Boys and Girls Club of Everett has been transformed into a "Christmas House."
The charity organization is giving low income families a chance to do what they might not be able to do this time of year, go shopping.
"We are expecting to help 12,000 children this year" said Pam Sorenson, part organizer of the event. "We are expecting 1000 more than last year because of the economy."
Every Tuesday through Saturday Christmas House is open to qualifying low income families. People line up by the hundreds every morning to get in, although only a few hundred can get in on a single day.
For parents like Tonia Bogard, Christmas House is a lifeline. She lost her job and is a single mother of two.
"I come down here and sit overnight to make sure I get in because my kids need presents and I can't afford it right now." she said.
For the past year organizers have been accepting donations from local businesses and people in the community. The gymnasium at the Boys and Girls Club is filled with clothing, toys and everything a young child could want. All a parent has to do is pick out what suits their family's needs.
"It feels like Christmas now," said Bogard.
The Christmas House is 100 percent volunteer, non-profit organization in Everett. The annual event began in earnest in 1981.
For more information on how to donate go to http://www.christmas-house.org/.
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