Issaquah toy drive gives back Christmas morning
Published 10:57 am Tuesday, December 20, 2011
While Christmas may not be all about packages and presents for Eastridge Church, it certainly is about family.
To encourage children who might not otherwise have cause to rush from their beds Dec. 25, the church decided to run a toy drive and Santa house last weekend.
Eastridge is known for doing an annual turkey drive for Thanksgiving each year, but this is the first year it decided to giveaway toys for Christmas.
Messages went out through the radio and a network of local churches. All in all, they gave away about 950 toys Dec. 17.
Parents, many with young children clinging to free candy canes, lined up outside a red chapel and waited to pass in front of Santa. Old and young alike gave him hugs as they passed.
In the next room volunteers, some dressed as elves, passed out wrapped presents according to age and gender. Occasionally a volunteer would brush against a tall pile of stuffed animals, sending soft bears tumbling to the floor.
“This is just one way we can reach out to the community and say that we not only care about their spiritual life, but we care about their home life,” said Pastor Steve Jamison.
Renton’s Erin P. heard about the toy drive through a Craigslist ad. Two weeks ago her husband lost his job and then got into a serious hit and run collision. The presents were a major help, she said.
Likewise, Dominique Allen lost her job in June and has been working odd jobs to make ends meet. She wanted to get her four children gifts to keep the Christmas tradition going, but it came down to either paying the bills or getting them toys.
She heard about the toy drive through another church in Redmond. It came as a relief, she said. “I wouldn’t have been able to buy any presents this year.”
Kids have such high expectations these days, said Anna Tupua, but she wanted to reward her children for all their volunteer work.
Her goal was to give each kid two toys, but she wondered if she could even do that, she said. “We’ll be happy to just give them something to unwrap.”
Nearby, her son Vai wrapped his arms around a big red bag with a gift for him and a sibling. His face was lit up with excitement.
Toys for kids are a blessing to the whole family, because parents see Christmas through the lens of their children, said Dan Metteer, the church’s children’s pastor. “If they’re happy and blessed, it’s a good Christmas.”
Jonah Schmidt, 12, volunteered at the Eastridge Church toy drive this weekend. A mound of bears served as backup gifts to families who didn’t sign up for the giveaway in advance.
Isabella P., receives a candy cane from youths volunteering as elves at Eastridge Church’s first toy drive. The church gave away about 900 toys to families in need.
