Winter Wonderland Kinship Community Christmas Celebration 2022
Women United began planning for Winter Wonderland 1 year ago as it was our intention for it to be the initial event for December 2020. I’m delighted to report it was well worth the wait because all the items needed for this year’s event already had Winter Wonderland printed on them.
We had an amazing group of organizations who collaborated with Women United in bringing joy and gifts to the kinship families and the community. My gratitude goes out to Doug Baldwin who sent an electrician to install wiring for lighting and heat to the Engagement Center in time for Winter Wonderland.
Safeway Employee’s hosted a Wishing Tree and purchased gifts for 46 children as we had a deadline. Due to the overwhelming referral response and registration from the Kinship navigators from Catholic Community Center, Kent and Seattle as well as registrations from single mothers who were worried, they would be unable to provide gifts to their young children. We also received calls from community families who needed help. Women United reached out to Toys for Tots and they were gracious enough to take our request and provided gifts for the remaining families that did not make the deadline for the Safeway Wishing Tree.
Because of the following organizations, Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle, King County Fire District 20 both located in Seattle who hosted Toy Drives. Bellevue Lucky Strike and Forum Social House also hosted Toy Drives. Maverick Games gave Christmas Food bag vouchers to caregivers. Primm Tabernacle AME Church Stewardship wrapped gifts, and volunteers joined over a three-day period to complete sorting and wrapping gifts, some decorating the yard or setting up the Engagement Center for Gift Distribution. One young man wish was to have a new bike, big enough for his height and weight as he was over 6ft. Women United reached out to Jim L. at Bike Works and shared the young man wish. Jim L. from Bike Works. built a bike specifically for the young man needs. It was such a blessing to be able to present the bike, helmet, lights, and a lock to this young man.
African American Reach and Teach Health Ministries Donated 19 Insta Vortex Plus Air Fryers for Kinship caregivers. We were pleased to have the Urban League’s COVID 19 Vaccination Van on site. It was reported that 8 participants received vaccinations.
It was nice to see a few of the participants come inside to perform a COVID 19 happy dance.
Women United 27 volunteers helped with everything from set up to tear down, and a big shout out to the Meal Master for everything from preparation to presentation of our homemade chili and chili dogs we all enjoyed.
The highlight of the event was the surprise visit by Eric Pettigrew, former 37th District State Representative who was and has been Santa Clause for Kinship Families for many years. As he approached the upper yard the delight of the children was apparent as they ran and gathered around Santa with joy and excitement, ready to take a special photo with Santa.
Although the weather was frightful, and the wind was blowing tents everywhere. Distribution of the gifts was a wonderful experience as one caregiver was surprised that we had something for her. Sharing her moment of tears of joy with a hug was confirmation of taking care of my neighbors. Women United totally enjoyed the presence of Mr. Leon Richardson King County Veterans Seniors Human Services Division Director's visit to Winter wonderland. Mr. Leon fit right in and assisted the caregivers transporting the large boxes to their vehicles. Thank You Mr. Richardson.
Lastly due to technical issues please except my sincere apology for this late post. Enjoy the video.
Women United began planning for Winter Wonderland 1 year ago as it was our intention for it to be the initial event for December 2020. I’m delighted to report it was well worth the wait because all the items needed for this year’s event already had Winter Wonderland printed on them.
We had an amazing group of organizations who collaborated with Women United in bringing joy and gifts to the kinship families and the community. My gratitude goes out to Doug Baldwin who sent an electrician to install wiring for lighting and heat to the Engagement Center in time for Winter Wonderland.
Safeway Employee’s hosted a Wishing Tree and purchased gifts for 46 children as we had a deadline. Due to the overwhelming referral response and registration from the Kinship navigators from Catholic Community Center, Kent and Seattle as well as registrations from single mothers who were worried, they would be unable to provide gifts to their young children. We also received calls from community families who needed help. Women United reached out to Toys for Tots and they were gracious enough to take our request and provided gifts for the remaining families that did not make the deadline for the Safeway Wishing Tree.
Because of the following organizations, Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle, King County Fire District 20 both located in Seattle who hosted Toy Drives. Bellevue Lucky Strike and Forum Social House also hosted Toy Drives. Maverick Games gave Christmas Food bag vouchers to caregivers. Primm Tabernacle AME Church Stewardship wrapped gifts, and volunteers joined over a three-day period to complete sorting and wrapping gifts, some decorating the yard or setting up the Engagement Center for Gift Distribution. One young man wish was to have a new bike, big enough for his height and weight as he was over 6ft. Women United reached out to Jim L. at Bike Works and shared the young man wish. Jim L. from Bike Works. built a bike specifically for the young man needs. It was such a blessing to be able to present the bike, helmet, lights, and a lock to this young man.
African American Reach and Teach Health Ministries Donated 19 Insta Vortex Plus Air Fryers for Kinship caregivers. We were pleased to have the Urban League’s COVID 19 Vaccination Van on site. It was reported that 8 participants received vaccinations.
It was nice to see a few of the participants come inside to perform a COVID 19 happy dance.
Women United 27 volunteers helped with everything from set up to tear down, and a big shout out to the Meal Master for everything from preparation to presentation of our homemade chili and chili dogs we all enjoyed.
The highlight of the event was the surprise visit by Eric Pettigrew, former 37th District State Representative who was and has been Santa Clause for Kinship Families for many years. As he approached the upper yard the delight of the children was apparent as they ran and gathered around Santa with joy and excitement, ready to take a special photo with Santa.
Although the weather was frightful, and the wind was blowing tents everywhere. Distribution of the gifts was a wonderful experience as one caregiver was surprised that we had something for her. Sharing her moment of tears of joy with a hug was confirmation of taking care of my neighbors. Women United totally enjoyed the presence of Mr. Leon Richardson King County Veterans Seniors Human Services Division Director's visit to Winter wonderland. Mr. Leon fit right in and assisted the caregivers transporting the large boxes to their vehicles. Thank You Mr. Richardson.
Lastly due to technical issues please except my sincere apology for this late post. Enjoy the video.
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Women United/ Angel of Hope Love Train Play Street
