December 2024 marked the 44th year of Christmas House helping families in need from over 20 different cities in Snohomish County. Parents got to select free holiday gifts for their children at the “Christmas House” store. In 2024, the store opened on December 5th for a three-week period. When the store finally closed on December 21st, over 8,215 children from 2,905 families received around 51,550 free gifts. This included children from about 105 families in transition.
Christmas House again was set up at the North Everett Boys and Girls Club. The Boys and Girls Club was truly a perfect facility to host Christmas House. Each morning at 7:00 am we started handing out numbers to parents, 200 each day during the week and 300 on Saturdays. Anyone who was unable to wait in line for a number, due to documented medical reasons, was given an appointment. When their number was called, parents provided proof of Snohomish County residency, kid’s birth dates, custody, income, and family size at our registration desk. Once registered, they were escorted through Christmas House by a volunteer.
Parents selected a large and small gift, book, warm hat, stuffed animal, and stocking stuffer for each child. On average, each child received about $65 worth of gifts. Parents were also invited to select an item from our family gifts.
Once again, the citizens of Snohomish County and beyond met the challenge of helping their neighbors celebrate the holidays. Thanks to many individuals, local businesses and foundations, cash donations from January through December 2024 were $137,847. Throughout the year, we applied for and received foundation donations and workplace donations. People generously brought in toys, gifts, and money to our donation sites. Individuals, families, clubs, churches, and businesses all made significant contributions. Thanks to the generous donations, we also were able to give away a total of 330 bicycles, skateboards, and tricycles.
A very special “thank you” for the help of our over 800 volunteers from Snohomish County and beyond. Without every one of them, we could not have met and served the needs of these families. Our volunteers were enthusiastic and warm hearted. Their goodwill touched the hearts of the thousands of people they assisted.
Christmas House is already preparing for 2025. However, with the cost of gifts continuing to increase and our current funding level staying about the same, the board is having to reduce some of what we can offer in 2025. Our grant committee will continue to look for additional funding, With the continued support of our loyal donors and volunteers, we will continue to work to meet the challenges and needs of the kids in our community.
Sincerely,
Gregg Milne
Christmas House President