SEATTLE - The Greenwood businesses hit hardest by an arsonist this year are receiving a helping hand from a local bank branch. Home Street Bank in Ballard is now dedicating their annual Giving Tree to the businesses who had the least insurance and the most re-building to do.
Maggie McKelvy, manager of the bank's Ballard branch, says she was heartbroken when the arsonist hit one small business after another.
"It broke my heart to see this happening, especially in times like this," she said.
But as the holiday season approaches, she thought of a way to help.
"I was searching for something," said McKelvy. "And it was one of those creative flashes -- oh! The Giving Tree! I don't think anybody's doing that. I want to be someone who's doing something a little bit unique that might catch attention."
Now, customers can select a tag with a gift idea for a particular business. Most are for gift cards to Home Depot, so businesses like Moon Photo can physically rebuild portions of their building. The Taproot Theater is asking for gift certificates to a fabric store so they can re-stock their destroyed costume department. Green Bean Coffee is also asking for Home Depot gift cards, in addition to other items like blenders, ice makers, and even a refrigerator to store their milk.
The Giving Tree is just the latest act of generosity by a community that has rallied around the arson victims. One local business, the Sip & Ship, has actually turned over their coffee counter to the Green Bean until the non-profit coffee shop can find a new home.
"We service the same customer and we knew that they were a vital part of the Greenwood area. So when we heard the news, we lost our breaths, and decided we needed to reach out some way," said Sip & Ship owner Diane Naramore.
Bob Jackson, the baker for Green Bean, says the community support is making all the difference.
"We did have some insurance, but it's just not enough to rebuild," he said. "And so what people have been giving is what's making it so that we can go ahead with the plans to make things happen."
If you are interested in contributing, the Home Street Bank Giving Tree is located in their Ballard Branch at 8050 15th Avenue NW. They will have it up until Christmas Eve.
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