Holiday Helpers Wraps Up Campaign

Instead of the trademark red sleigh, this year's Overlake elves loaded up presents on two yellow buses. 

Now in its 16th year, Holiday Helpers just completed its mission of making sure that dozens of Redmond families will have a joyous season. Thanks to the generosity of the Overlake community, 38-families at Avondale's Transitional Housing will be able to complete their children's wishlists. In fact, this year's campaign was so successful that families will also have gift cards to address any needs around this season. "The need is just down the street from us, and a lot of people don't realize that many of the people living along Avondale live in transitional housing," says Director of Service Learning and Engagement Jacqui Jackson, who runs the effort with Outreach Club. "It brings a sense of relief to families to know that they're in a safe environment which wasn't the case when they moved here. There's no one cause that got them here, and there are so many people from our community from teachers and staff, athletic teams, students, and families who are making a huge difference in these family's lives this holiday season."

There's a lot of planning that goes into Holiday Helpers. Serving 38 families that have anywhere from two to six children, wishlists are compiled in October. Then, it's time for the donors to step in and start filling out those wishlists from kids as young as two and as old as sixteen. Homerooms also spring into action with trips to Target. So many of the homerooms found bargains, that the money left over was used for those gift cards. Then, the presents were delivered to the Library where on Wednesday they were loaded up on two buses and transported to Avondale Transitional Housing. Everything from stuffed toys and dolls to electronics and bicycles were delivered. "I've been part of Outreach Club for the last three years, and this has such a far-reaching impact on so many people so close to our community," says Junior Jenna L. "Without our efforts, a lot of the families we help may not have been able to afford Christmas gifts. I know I get a lot back from the program too without being there when they open them."

In addition to the presents and gift cards, dozens of rolls of wrapping paper, bows, cards, and tape were also delivered to the families. Jackson wants the Overlake community to know that Holiday Helpers brings more than just smiles to kids. "Every year we hear the stories from families thanking us for letting their kids be kids this season. The impact of their world is a little more normal for them at a time when they are facing many challenges."

Thank you to everyone who helped out in this year's Holiday Helpers and Happy Holidays!