We couldn’t have done it without you! Thank you for providing Christmas for 449 youth who come to The Coffee Oasis in Tacoma, Port Orchard, Bremerton, and Poulsbo.

The outpouring of generosity from our community provided presents, stockings, Christmas dinner, a night of fun games, raffle prizes, time for singing carols, an opportunity to hear the Christmas story, and a place for youth to belong.

One long-standing staff member at The Coffee Oasis even made an appearance as Santa. He pleasantly surprised one young woman when he pulled off his Santa hat.

He had worked with her five years ago while she was living at a Coffee Oasis housing program; they reconnected and enjoyed sharing Christmas dinner together.

One youth received a gift for both herself and her baby. She shared, “Thank you guys for these gifts, It means a lot to us.”

Another youth remembered the stockings from last year and shared that he had been looking forward to the event since last year.

One young man didn’t expect to receive anything; he hadn’t been in town when it was time to sign up for a gift, but staff knew he would be in town for the party. When his name was called at the Christmas party, he was so happy to receive a gift that staff knew he wanted.

For another youth who came to the youth Christmas party, it was her first time visiting the Tacoma drop-in center.

She was surprised to receive both a stocking, a Christmas present, and a raffle prize! She is currently staying at a nearby young adult shelter and the only clothes she had were the ones she was wearing.

During the party, staff helped her try on winter coats, and she was able to leave with a like-new, warm winter coat.

She was grateful for a place to go where she felt welcome and had people to celebrate with for the holidays.

One staff member reflected on the evening and shared:

“More than anything, the night was about the youth. Many shared how meaningful it was to feel seen, celebrated, and cared for during the holidays. Being able to come together as a community and provide the youth we serve with a Christmas filled with warmth, joy, faith, and connection was truly heartwarming. It was an encouraging reminder of what can be achieved when volunteers, staff, and community partners work together for a shared purpose.”

More staff shared about what the night meant to them and to the youth who came to the Christmas parties:

“It was really neat to see the excitement of the youth opening up their presents after the dinner meal.” – Loft shelter staff

“We had 16 youth participating in our Christmas competition reindeer games (the most ever for our events). It was encouraging to see them all having fun together, connecting with each other, and rooting for each other to do their best!” – TG, staff

“I was so thankful to sense a real presence of the joy of the Lord during our Christmas event” – Clarissa, staff

“Our 2025 Christmas party was lit up like the Rockefeller Christmas tree in New York! Happy times, laughs, games, and yuletide joy was had for all! It’s the most wonderful time of the year. ‘Tis the season to raise up Jesus and show Him to our youth and young adults. He is the reason for the season!” – Isaac, staff

Thank you for making this night possible! We are grateful for the many donors who sponsored presents for youth and all of those who made this event possible by preparing Christmas dinner, serving, volunteering, and helping with set-up.

A special thanks to Bob & Diana Schaefer, Life Center Church, Chapel Hill Church, Laura, Erica, Willy, Walt, Carlos, Melissa, Jeanie, Jesse, Missy, David Crume, Rhonda Sparks, That One Place, the McCausland Family, Empowered Church, Poulsbo Kiwanis, Central Kitsap Church of Christ, and Trinity Bible Fellowship.

Story Written by: Caryn Wright // Date Written: January 6, 2026