SPOKANE, Wash. – When Spokane neighbors heard about families needing toys for Christmas, the spirit of giving took center stage at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Center, where the community’s generosity made this holiday season brighter for many children.
“It feels really good, actually we’re really blessed to have this place here so that’s really awesome,” said Clara Moylan. “It was cold waiting in line but it was totally worth it.”
Between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Tuesday, dozens of families got Christmas gifts donated by community members during the center’s first-ever holiday toy distribution event. The initiative came in response to what organizers describe as the tough times of 2025.
The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Center has always been a haven for those needing some extra help, but this year, the call for Christmas assistance was louder than ever.
“I just couldn’t leave families, without a sense of hope around the holiday season. Definitely not our little kiddos. Our little most vulnerable ones,” said Freda Gandy, executive director of the center.
The center asked the community to lend a hand, and residents responded with donations.
“Sometimes we need extra support, and I think praising families for being able to say like I need extra support from my community and also praising our community for being able to step up and show up for these families,” said Jada Richardson.
The toys were meant to not only bring Christmas joy but a good start to the year.
“Being able to provide gifts for families that may not have known if you know, what tomorrow would look like for their families or if there would be gifts, is always a good thing,” Richardson said.
The center also had food boxes ready for families.
“That has been the most amazing part, to be able to rally this community when we see so many in need,” Gandy said.
The holiday distribution also included coats from the 4 News Now Coats 4 Kids drive, ensuring children stay warm this winter.
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