Christmas for Kids in Portland is Coming Soon!
Christmas for Kids is an amazing opportunity for those in the Portland area to give to others during the holiday season. Local Fresh Project Manager Kelly Wilson has participated in the past and plans to shop with a child during the 2013 Christmas for Kids.
What is Christmas for Kids?
It’s an unfortunate truth that there are many kids who go without basic necessities during the Christmas season and throughout the year. The Christmas for Kids organization strives to correct that truth by providing funds at a local Portland Fred Meyer and volunteers who help children shop for clothes, shoes, coats and toys for the Christmas season.
Founded in 1985, the Christmas for Kids organization has partnered with sponsors such as Majestic Eagle Agency, Fred Meyer, UPS, Columbia Sportswear and the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office – among others – to provide this annual event.
How Does Christmas for Kids Work?
Once nominated for the program, parents fill out “Wish Lists” that include clothing, shoes, undwear, and other basic needs. Each child with accompanying volunteer is given a budget based on the size of the child’s family. While many “Wish Lists” do not include toys, there is room in each budget for the child to choose a toy for herself and toys for siblings.
How Can I Give to Christmas for Kids?
This program relies heavily on corporate and individual donations in the form of products, services, time and money. Past donations have included toothpaste, toothbrushes, dental floss, teddy bears, winter coats, shoes, underwear and socks, grocery items, shirts, hats and more. The goal for 2013 is to raise $65,000, which will help provide for the basic needs of over 200 children (and siblings) in the Portland Metro area.
To Shop With a Child
The Christmas for Kids shopping day for 2013 is Wednesday, December 4th. You can sign up for a shift or to be an “All Day Elf.” I signed up for a shift, which takes about 2 hours. Some shifts are already full, so sign up here!
To Give Products For Christmas for Kids Event
There are many donations that could be put to good use during this event; for example, Columbia Sportswear has generously contributed a coat for each child. If you have products that you would like to donate, contact Christmas for Kids at (503) 669-4888.
To Donate Money to Christmas for Kids
Cash donations are also gratefully accepted. Every $1 donated results in an average of $2.82 in value and $72 provides a Christmas for a kid valued at $203.
The Christmas For Kids Foundation is a recognized Oregon 501c charitable foundation. On average, over 96.4% of all funds collected were spent on the children in the program.