Published November 23 2016
City employees will celebrate the start of the 30th Season of Sharing gift drive from noon to 1 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 29, on the first floor of City Hall. The annual event benefits those in need.
The community is invited to enjoy snacks and desserts provided by city staff, watch the lighting of Season of Sharing trees and listen to music performed by city staff and by preschoolers from Crossroads Preschool.
Social service providers on the Eastside say the need to bring holiday cheer to families who are struggling remains strong. Season of Sharing was one of the first citywide holiday drives when it started and the effort has remained popular. Last year, staff distributed more than 600 gifts.
People interested in contributing can retrieve a gift wish tag or money envelope from a Season of Sharing tree at City Hall starting Nov. 22. The requested gift, with original tag attached, can then be dropped off at designated boxes; money donations should be left at the Service First desk. Both the boxes and the desk are located on the first floor of City Hall. A second Season of Sharing tree will be located at Mini City Hall at Crossroads Bellevue shopping center.
Gifts are distributed to people with disabilities and families by local nonprofits including LifeWire, Friends of Youth, Harborview Center for Sexual Assault and Traumatic Stress and The Sophia Way women's shelter. The organizations support families who may be living in poverty or who just want to provide a holiday atmosphere for their children.
The last day to drop off gift and money contributions is Dec. 15.