EVERETT, Wash. -- Hundreds waited in line all night, but not everyone was lucky enough to get a ticket to shop.
Many folks these days are struggling to pay their mortgage and put food on the table, not leaving much left over to buy Christmas presents for their children. The need is higher than ever and one organization in Everett is making sure that children from low income families have something to open on Christmas morning.
Christmas House is a one hundred percent volunteer, non-profit organization that provides an opportunity for low income Snohomish parents to select free holiday gifts for their children age infant to eighteen years.
Each child receives a stocking stuffer, a winter item such as a hat or gloves, a stuffed animal, a small toy and a large toy, one new clothing item, and a family item like stockings or holiday cards.
"It's making my daughter's Christmas pretty much. It's been a rough year. If it wasn't for this, she would only have dollar store presents. It's worth sitting out here for however long," said Katana Raymer, a Christmas House patron.
Directors are seeing a greater need in the last couple of years. In 2008 9,000 kids got gifts and by 2009 the number was up to 11,000. Christmas House is expecting to see even more this holiday season. Already since December 3rd, 6,800 children have been given gifts.
195 tickets allowing people to come back during the day to shop are given out between 6:30 a.m. and 7 a.m. each weekday morning, with that number doubling on Saturdays. Over 50 people were turned away Thursday morning.
"In previous years by this time in December we wouldn't be turning anyone away. The need is greater this year" said Sylvia Bauman, Christmas House director.
Christmas House and its volunteers are determined to meet that need.
"Our plan is to serve all of the qualifying families in need in Snohomish County through Monday, which is our last day," said President, Rick Kwagnes.
Christmas House is still in need of donations, particularly toys for children between the ages of four and eight. For more information on how to donate or volunteer, log on to www.christmas-house.org.
To add a comment, please register or login.