Multi-service Center and Caregiving Network team up to make this holiday memorable for Federal Way children

When there isn't much stretching room in a budget, buying Christmas gifts can put a low-income family into a deeper financial crisis. Fortunately, the caring Federal Way community can help insure that every child will have at least one gift to open on Christmas morning.

Through the annual Giving Tree, sponsored by Multi-Service Center and the Caregiving Network, local residents can stop by the Giving Tree table at the Commons mall (located in the center area between the movie theatre and Target), now through Dec. 16, take a slip of paper with a toy suggestion listed on it, and go buy that toy to be donated to Christmas House.

Then the week before Christmas, low-income parents who have been screened by the MSC Federal Way Food Bank, can "shop" for gifts for their children at Christmas House, which will be set up at Steel Lake Presbyterian Church.

Run by volunteers, the program is in its 20th year serving the Federal Way community.

"Last year we served 640 families, which included some 1,700 children," said Denise Burns, manager of the Federal Way Food Bank. "The parents are so appreciative of the gifts and the ability to pick them out themselves."

In addition to serving children 14 and under, the program also "adopts" about 200 low-income elderly residents of Federal Way's long-term care facilities, providing them with gifts of new clothing.

Besides gifts of new toys, Christmas House also requests gently used family games and puzzles, with all pieces intact; new socks for all ages, infant to adult; candy and candy canes; new or gently used ornaments and holiday decorations; wrapping paper; new or gently used stuffed animals; stocking stuffer items; books for children and teens; hats, gloves and scarves; and cash donations.

These items can be dropped off at the Multi-Service Center Warehouse, located at 1200 S. 336th Street in Federal Way, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. If people have questions, they can call Multi-Service Center at (253) 838-6810.

"Christmas House is a really fun project, and a great way for the community to get involved in the spirit of giving," said Burns. "The people of Federal Way are always so generous. It'd be great if every child in Federal Way has a special gift to open on Christmas morning."

Since 1971, Multi-Service Center has helped low-income South King County residents create self-sufficient futures.

Through more than 30 comprehensive programs, such as housing, food and clothing, education and employment, MSC creates a healthy, safe and compassionate community by finding and implementing real solutions to the root causes of poverty. Learn more about the agency at: www.multi-servicecenter.com.