“Best Christmas Ever!” one youth exclaimed in excitement at one of our Family Christmas parties this year.

This is one of 395 youth who got to experience the joy of Christmas through the Family Christmas Project this year. For many of these youth, this was their only Christmas celebration. In Kitsap County, 159 youth filled our drop-in centers to celebrate Christmas with their friends and family; they enjoyed a warm Christmas dinner, sang carols, and opened gifts together. In Pierce County, shelter residents enjoyed a special Christmas meal and 47 youth participating in our programs received Christmas gifts. Overall, 165 youth enjoyed a warm Christmas meal and 395 youth received personalized gifts sponsored by partners like you.

Youth expressed their gratitude for the gifts and party you provided…

“Thank you so much for the present, it was just what I wanted.”

Some youth even brought their parents along. One mother expressed her appreciation to a volunteer. “I am so grateful to the staff for having a party, because I haven’t eaten in two days. I had a job, but injured myself. I was then laid off, so money is tight. The presents that my daughter received at the Christmas party are the only presents she will receive this year.”

Another youth shared, “It was a nice time for us all to come together and celebrate Christmas. I really enjoyed the live music and games.”

Bradley*, who crashed and ruined his longboard a few weeks prior to the Christmas party was especially thankful for his gift. This was not only a hobby that brought him joy, but his primary way of transportation. When staff found out, they knew exactly what present to give him for Christmas. Bradley’s heart was filled with joy and he gave a staff member a huge hug saying, “thank you, I love this!”

Thank you for purchasing a longboard for Bradley!

*name changed to protect privacy

Aaron* expressed his appreciation for the gift he received through the Family Christmas Project saying, “I got headphones at the Christmas party. This was important because I use it to quell my anxiety and all the other problems I struggle with.”

One youth said he enjoyed, “…staying warm and having fun together. It felt like we were a family.”

Thank you for giving youth gifts and a place to call home this Christmas through the Family Christmas Project!

*name changed to protect privacy

A special thanks to: Better Properties, Jesse Savage and friends, Jane Elliot, Loralyn Leaf, Julie MacGregor, Uli’s Sausage, Jean Bowden and team, NKBC, New Hope, Central Kitsap Church of Christ, Donna, Wendy Sullivan, Believers Fellowship, Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church, Evergreen Baptist Church, Kitsap Chiropractic Office and Dr. Jennifer Sansen, Nostalgia House Bakery, That One Place, The McCauslands, the US Coast Guard, The Refuge Church, Women of the Coast, and our volunteers!