Many Ways To Help Spread Cheer

Feeling generous? There are plenty of ways you can help less fortunate folks enjoy a brighter holiday season.

Donations to Toys for Tots don’t have to be big bike projects. About 40 Toys for Tots donation barrels are located throughout the Valley. Any new, unwrapped toy donation is appreciated. Just drop it into a donation barrel.

Barrel locations in the Valley include all U.S. post offices; Subway sandwich restaurants; Rosauers, Albertson’s, Tidyman’s and Safeway supermarkets; Payless Drug and Al’s Auto Supply stores.

Other opportunities to give include:

U-City Tree of Sharing

The annual toy drive is based again this year in University City Shopping Center. The tree is located, fittingly, in front of Kay-Bee Toy & Hobby Shop.

“We’ve had them here at least five years. They do a really excellent job,” said mall manager Laurie Hatch. “Some people really don’t have what it takes to give their kids a Christmas.”

To participate, take a name tag off of the tree. Each tag has the age and gender of a specific child and some gift ideas. To make it easier, the tags are color-coded by age group.

Hatch said she has seen some changes in the type of things the children are requesting. It’s not just toys anymore - many need blankets, diapers and shoes.

“It really fulfills a need, not just a kid’s wish list,” she said. “Times have changed.”

Valley Center Christmas sharing

Toys and gifts for young children and teenagers alike are needed for the center’s Christmas Sharing Program. The center’s various charities also need money, non-perishable foods and clothing.

Donations can be brought directly to the center, 11922 E. First, anytime Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Toys for the Christmas Sharing Program can also be dropped off at any Valley Fire District station. Foods items for the Food Drive 2000 can be brought to any Rosauers in the Valley, ABC Mini Storage at 11506 E. Indiana or WoodPecker Graphix & Printing, 11704 E. Montgomery Drive.

Spokesman-Review Christmas Fund

All money donated to The Spokesman-Review Christmas Fund goes to buy food vouchers for low-income families so they can enjoy a more festive Christmas dinner and provide toys for their kids so no child in Spokane goes without something to unwrap on Christmas morning. Mail or bring checks to: The Spokesman-Review Christmas Fund, Fourth Floor Newsroom, P.O. Box 516, Review Tower, 999 W. Riverside, Spokane, WA 99210.

, DataTimes