Toys for Sequim Kids
When: 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 15
Where: Sequim Prairie Grange, 290 Macleay Road
Bring: Identification and proof of residency in Sequim School District
The chill of winter has come, but with it the warmth of community collaboration.
For 68 years, those working under the nonprofit, all-volunteer organization Sequim Community Aid have hosted the annual Toys for Sequim Kids to help ensure parents or guardians can give their children from infants through 14 years old a Christmas gift.
“This event couldn’t happen without community help,” Donna Tidrick, president of Sequim Community Aid, said. “The community has been very generous year after year so families that are having difficulties can put something under their tree come Christmas.”
In preparing for Toys for Sequim Kids from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 15, at the Sequim Prairie Grange, 290 Macleay Road, Sequim Community Aid volunteers have begun collecting toy and clothing donations.
Clothing donations can be taken to the Co-op Farm & Garden, 216 E. Washington St., where there’s a tree with many tags hanging from it, waiting to be taken. Two more trees aimed on gathering toys can be found at Sequim Gym, 145 E. Washington St., and QFC, 990 E. Washington St.
Donations also may be dropped off at the Clallam County Fire District No. 3 station at 323 N. Fifth Ave, Tidrick said, but all tags and corresponding donations must be returned by Saturday, Dec. 12, so volunteers can begin setting up on Monday, Dec. 14.
Volunteers on Dec. 14-15 are welcomed, as Sequim Community Aid members need help with the set-up and distribution of gifts, Tidrick said. Already local Boy Scout Troop 1103 is contributing to Toys for Sequim Kids by spearheading a blanket drive at 9 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 5, at Grocery Outlet, 1045 W. Washington St.
“The whole thing is to try to help families and children get through Christmas without feeling like nobody cares — thats been my goal,” said Tidrick, who joined Sequim Community Aid in 1983.
Toys for Sequim Kids is a concentrated community effort in December, but throughout all 12 months of the year Sequim Community Aid volunteers work to provide emergency assistance for rent and utilities to residents within the Sequim School District.
Money donations to Sequim Community Aid can be sent to PO Box 1591, Sequim, WA 98382. Indicate the use of the donation if intended for Toys for Sequim Kids.
For those attending Toys for Sequim Kids, proof of residency in the Sequim School District and a picture ID are required. Examples of proof residency include, but aren’t limited to, a current electric bill or rent receipt.
