Center gathering gifts for children, teens

Thu., Dec. 2, 2004

The Spokesman-Review

Spokane Valley Community Center is collecting gifts to ensure that children from low-income families have a joyful Christmas.

Shelly Farwell, assistant director of the center, said 798 children, from babies to 18-year-olds, are signed up for gifts. She anticipates that number doubling to 1,500 in the next few days.

In addition to needing toys, books and other gifts for toddlers and younger kids, Farwell said the center often runs short of presents for teenagers.

Favorite teen gifts include athletic bags and apparel, name brand clothes, makeup kits, watches, jewelry and gift cards.

The center provides families with one gift, two stocking stuffers, some candy and a stuffed animal for each child.

While the center traditionally offered gifts for adults as well, this year the center is focusing just on children because the need for holiday assistance has steadily grown over the past few years.

Also, the center recently expanded its service area so kids living in impoverished areas between Park Road and Havana Street could receive help.

“We want to make sure we can take care of the kids,” Farwell said.

Gifts can be dropped off through Christmas at fire stations throughout Spokane Valley and at Spokane Valley Community Center, 10814 E. Broadway Ave. The center is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 927-1153.

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