SPOKANE, Wash. — The YWCA is helping Spokane families in need relieve stress and have a happy holiday season.
The Spokane YWCA’s Hope for the Holidays program allows families with a little extra to go around adopt a families in need to help them out with their holiday wish lists.
This year, the program will support 90 local families by supplying them with wish list items like work boots, snow pants, toys, books, gift cards and more.
“It means the world to them, absolutely. You know, we had somebody say that this was the first time they’d received a gift since their baby shower,” said Jemma Riedel-Johnson, Lead Engagement for YWCA Spokane.
The rising cost of living is amplified during the holidays, leaving many families in our community struggling to afford gifts to celebrate the holidays.
“It is a really stressful time of year. So, I think just making it a little bit less stressful goes a long way in helping,” said Megan Whitman, who donated to Hope for the Holidays.
There are different ways to donate to the program.
“Are you looking to support a big family, like five to seven people? Or a smaller family like one to two? Then, we share what those families’ wish list items are,” said Riedel-Johnson.
She said gift cards are always a great option for families.
“Gift cards can be really empowering for parents and families because they’re able to purchase things and make that special purchase for their kids themselves,” said Riedel-Johnson.
The gifts support families who are part of the Domestic Violence Safe Shelter, Women’s Opportunity Center and Early Childhood Education And Assistance Program.
“We really are providing a lot of hope and some levity and brightness and light to folks who are having a hard time this holiday season,” said Reidel-Johnson.
While the YWCA is no longer accepting physical gifts this year, you can still donate online at ywcaspokane.org.
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