Sequim is generous. That was the general feeling from volunteers at Toys for Sequim Kids on Dec. 16.
Toys, clothes, games, books, blankets, quilts and bikes filled the main hall of the Sequim Prairie Grange for the event sponsored by nonprofit, all-volunteer Sequim Community Aid.
“It’s a beautiful community effort,” said Patty Bacon, a volunteer for the second year.
Volunteer “elves” helped parents, grandparents, and guardians walk through and gather presents for their children on Christmas morning. In total, 55 volunteers helped in some capacity.
Nancy Garbush, who with her husband Ivor, have helped the last four years.
“Giving out toys to kids, you can’t beat that!” she said.
Co-organizer Kathy Suta said donations came in from across the community and this year they helped 151 families, and an estimated 401 children in Sequim.
“People have been so generous with their time and donations,” Suta said. “I think it was the best one I’ve ever been a part of.”
Morgan Mortensen, left, and Bonita Jarvis work together to put a giant Spider Man plushy into a bag for a present on Christmas morning.
Giving trees at Anytime Fitness, The Co-Op Farm & Garden, Sequim Electronics/Radio Shack, and the YMCA of Sequim saw plentiful donations, Suta said, and a donation event outside Walmart was also very successful, she said.
Santa’s Toy and Food Fire Brigade drove through Sequim Dec. 8-12 seeking toys for the event and food for the Sequim Food Bank.
Capt. Marc Lawson with Clallam County Fire District 3 said they collected enough to fill a truck and trailer and provide $1,250 in monetary donations for Toys for Sequim Kids. They also received 2,525 pounds of food for the food bank and just over $5,000 for the agency.
This year, three firefighters volunteered at Toys for Sequim Kids saying after years of going around collecting, it was great to see their efforts helping people in person.
Patty Bacon, left, and Kathy Beery sort board games at Toys for Sequim Kids on Dec. 16. The two said they’ve helped two years in a row now. “It’s a beautiful community effort,” Bacon said.
Dozens of bicycles were donated from various community members and Murrey’s Olympic Disposal, while Blue Sky Realty Sequim continued its tradition of collecting for the event along with the Sequim Valley Garden Club, Sequim Valley Car Club, and the Questers.
Toys for Tots remained an integral part of the event with its donations, too, Suta said, along with the grange, who donated the rental space.
Linda DeMoss, Sequim Community Aid’s board secretary and lead for quilt donations, said they did limit the amount of homemade quilts/blankets to three per family due to limited local supply and costs for volunteer quilters who offer everything in-kind.
“Because of the economy and Jo-Ann’s (Fabrics) in Port Angeles closing, the resources just aren’t there for volunteers,” DeMoss said.
This year, they had about 300 quilts made by individuals, Project Linus, and the Sunbonnet Sue Quilt Club, compared to 500 last year.
“Families love the quilts,” DeMoss said. “To me, they’re the best thing here.”
Recipients have told organizers through the years, that the quilts are something they’ve treasured for years.
With its diverse offerings for families, Toys for Sequim Kids is a big draw each year, and organizers said some families began lining up as early as 4 a.m.
DeMoss said “everyone is really appreciative.”
Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash/ Linda DeMoss, organizer of quilt donations for Toys for Sequim Kids, said quilt and blanket donations were down this year due to the economy, costs, and the closing of Jo-Ann’s in Port Angeles, which impacted volunteers who make the quilts. They remain a hit though as “families love the quilts,” she said.
This year, organizers said they continued to see an abundance for ages 10 and down, but they emphasize that more is needed for middle and high school children, as Toys for Sequim Kids helps children ages 1-18.
Suta said they’ve used donated money to purchase more for older children so there are more options, such as name brand hoodies, gift cards, headphones, and more.
Along with Toys for Sequim Kids, Sequim Community Aid offers year-round utility and rental assistance for Sequim School District families.
To help the nonprofit with donations mail to: Sequim Community Aid, P.O. Box 1591, Sequim, WA, 98382 and specify checks with “toys” in the memo line for Toys for Sequim Kids, or leave the memo blank for utilities, organizers said.
For assistance, to volunteer, or with questions call Sequim Community Aid at 360-681-3731 and leave a message. A volunteer will return the call shortly.
Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash/ Sandra Granun, a volunteer for three years with Toys for Sequim Kids, said her Grinch outfit is inspired by her mantra that “sometimes I’m nice and sometimes naughty.”
Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash/ Charlie Buckley of Sequim volunteers at Toys for Sequim Kids for the second year.
Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash/ Shauna McNally with 14-month-old Baileigh looks for board games for her family as volunteer “elf” Bonita Jarvis, on left, helps hold her items.
Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash/ Nancy Garbush places a plushy for a lucky child for a parent/guardian to select and provide for their child on Christmas morning.
Photo courtesy Marc Lawson, CCFD3/ Santa’s Toy and Food Fire Brigade drove through Sequim Dec. 8-12 seeking toys for Toys for Sequim Kids, and food for the Sequim Food Bank. Capt. Marc Lawson with Clallam County Fire District 3 said they collected enough to fill a truck and trailer and provide $1,250 in monetary donations for Toys for Sequim Kids. They also received 2,525 pounds of food for the food bank and just over $5,000 for the agency.
