What is the Gift Giving Program?
During the holidays, families can’t always fulfill items on their wish list when they have to balance other expenses like rent, food, gas, childcare, and more. But there are ways that we as a community can help. Participants in YWCA’s Gift Giving Program are matched with a specific family and receive details such as the family’s size, interests, ages, and which stores the children would like gift cards to. Gift cards received for these programs are distributed to families in our shelters across King and Snohomish Counties.
Our families receive gift cards so they can have personal agency to purchase culturally responsive foods for their holidays and gifts that best meet their families’ needs. Since transitioning to a gift-card model in 2020, our program participants have provided incredible feedback about how empowered shopping for their families themselves has made them feel.
Deep and Powerful Community Support
In 2024, through the generosity of our donors, we were able to give gift cards to over 450 families and over 1,000 children. And in this current economic climate, the women, men, and families YWCA serves continues to face challenges like food insecurity and economic instability. Our ability to continue this vital program relies on the support of our incredible donor community.
One of the partners that stands with us this holiday season is The Burnsteads. A local family of independent home building companies, The Burnsteads have been committed to the Pacific Northwest for over 50 years. Their ongoing commitment to stewardship is at the foundation of the neighborhoods they build, and that commitment shows with their generous investment in YWCA.
In 2024, The Burnsteads supported 100 families in the Gift Giving program and since then, their commitment has only deepened. They’re volunteers at our Angeline’s Day Center; a proud sponsor of YWCA’s Inspire Luncheon, our annual fundraiser that supports women and families in YWCA’s programs; and have renewed their commitment to Gift Giving program, ensuring the power of choice for our families as they shop this holiday season.
We are truly grateful to have partners like The Burnsteads who share in our values and support those in our community who need it most.
Get Involved This Holiday Season
Want to participate in the Gift Giving program? You can complete this form to register for Winter Gift Giving for both King and Snohomish Counties. Please register today and drop off/mail cards by December 8.
When you register, we will match you with a family. Family matches will begin mid-to-late November, as soon as family information and requests are available. Thank you for investing in community care and partnering with us in our work toward a healthy, safe, and prosperous community.
If you are a part of a company, church, organization, etc. and would like to get involved and donate as a group or hold a gift card drive, please contact Liz Hill at lhill@ywcaworks.org.
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