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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Big Table serves up holiday cheer

Monday is the last day to sign up for the Holiday Care Blitz, which gifts $20 to fast-food workers working on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Through the project, volunteers can sign up to adopt certain shifts at local fast-casual eateries, giving each crew member an envelope with cash.

“It’s not intended to be a tip; it’s intended to be a gift,” said Kevin Finch, executive director of Big Table, the nonprofit the organizes the blitz.

Volunteers fill the envelopes with donations, then surprise workers.

“One guy dresses up like Santa and surprises two or three places,” Finch said. “Other people have showed up with a guitar and sung a song to the entire shift.”

Volunteers can sign up through the Big Table website for locations in Spokane as well as Seattle.

For those who want to participate but can’t afford to cover an entire shift, Big Table can help cover the $20 bills. Typical shifts include five to 10 people, or a total donation of $100 to $200.

Big Table aims to support and build relationships with restaurant and hospitality workers. Last year, more than $10,000 was given to fast-food workers through the Holiday Care Blitz. Of that, just over $3,000 came directly from the nonprofit. Most came from donations from volunteers. In Spokane, 284 workers at 28 restaurants received $20 gifts, totaling $5,640 from 25 different donors. In Seattle, 216 workers at 24 restaurants received $20 gifts, totaling $4,620 from 34 different donors.

For more info or to sign up, visit www.big-table.com.

Or, in the Spokane area, contact Jodie Julagay at (509) 979-1005 or jodie@big-table.com. And, in the Seattle area, contact Kristi Trainer at (206) 734-9279 or kristi@big-table.com.