Letter: Help Kent Families in Need This Holiday Season

On the surface, a Christmas toy drive may not seem like an urgent cause.  But for parents wanting to bring Christmas joy to their children, help with toys can make a huge difference. 

Parents want their children to experience the excitement of the holidays. Yet, when they are struggling to cope with increased fuel and medical costs, parents with limited finances have to face difficult choices in allocating their money this time of year. The Kent community has stepped up to meet local needs in the past. So far this holiday season, the current flow of donations has not quite kept pace with previous levels. We hope that during this period of increasing need, the generous spirit of the people of Kent will make the season merry for all of our residents.                    

Kent Social Services and the Center of Hope, both programs of Family and Community Services, are collecting holiday food, turkeys and toys for a mass distribution on Dec. 13 and 14. Thus far, the number of families registering for food and toys is exceeding last year’s figures. It is anticipated that about 300 families, including approximately 635 children, from Kent will be seeking help with Christmas toys this year. 

Parents have the opportunity to select up to two toys per child plus a book and stuffed animal. In order to offer an adequate number of items, KSS is in need of new, unwrapped toys for children ranging from infants to 18 year olds. In particular, there is a need for toys for boys and items for teenagers, including $20 gift cards from discount department stores. Toys are needed by Dec. 12. 

Once again, the Kent Fire Department has generously offered its facilities for the collection of toys. The advantage of the fire department collection sites is that the stations are open 24/7, making the drop off more convenient for donors. We are very appreciative of the support offered by the Kent Fire Department to enhance our effort to collect toys for local children.

Donors wishing a written acknowledgement for their contribution can take toys to Kent Social Services on weekdays from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., except Thursday when the hours are from 11 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.

Christie Anderson
Manager, Kent Social Services