Group makes handmade quilts for veterans
The Pilchuck Chapter of the Daughters of the American Colonists this month completed 23 handmade lap quilts, which they donated to the spinal cord injury unit at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Seattle.
Ruth Shaff, treasurer of the Pilchuck Chapter and chairwoman of the chapter’s Veterans Services Committee, designed and assembled the patchwork quilts, many of which were created with patriotic or military themes.
At the chapter’s November meeting, the quilts were tied by members, who include Cheryl Healey, Jean Albertson, Pat Zuanich, Elaine Hamner-Yard, Iras Gabryelewicz, Suzanne Cloore, Marjory Radford, Maralyn Ricketts, Mary Bess Johnson, Ramona Arcuri and Jen Champlin. In addition, chapter member Marietta Roth completed and donated a handmade quilt.
For more information about the Daughters of the American Colonists, call 425-743-5030.
Arlington firefighters collect for food bank
The Arlington Fire Department Santa Run concluded Dec. 16 after 10 consecutive nights. The firefighters, their families and friends escorted Santa through Arlington neighborhoods on a decorated fire engine gathering food donations, passing out candy canes and spreading holiday cheer.
The firefighters collected 5,800 pounds of food and $612 for the Arlington Food Bank.
This 20-year event is a tradition that takes the combined effort of approximately 70 volunteers, many who help several nights. The Santa Run is the largest annual food drive for the Arlington Food Bank.
The firefighters union, IAFF Local 3728, buys the candy canes, decorations and Santa gear, and the city of Arlington provides a reserve fire engine and aid vehicle to be used.
Tulalip Bay Fire District 15 helps food banks
Tulalip Bay Fire Department recently held its annual Santa Run Food Drive.
Off-duty firefighters came together to volunteer their time to escort Santa around the district spreading holiday cheer and collecting food for the local food banks.
The effort gathered more than 600 pounds of non-perishable food items.
“We would like to thank our community for the continued support we receive each and every year during this event,” said firefighter and department photographer Peter Spawn.
Toys for Tots benefits from toy drive
Wingert Insurance Agency in Mill Creek recently collected more than 400 donations during a community drive for South Snohomish County Toys For Tots. Assisting the agency with toy delivery was Brien Ford of Everett, which loaned a 2013 Escape for toy transport Dec. 14.
Real estate agents help programs for children
In October, Windermere Real Estate agents from Everett held their annual “Windermere Serves” dinner at the Majestic Cafe in Everett. They filled the restaurant with clients, friends and family and served as the wait staff.
The gratuities collected at that event, about $3,600, were divided and given to Hand in Hand Kids foster care program, Volunteers of America and Imagine Children’s Museum.
Bank employees give to Christmas House
Sterling Bank’s Shoreline branch recently held its fourth annual bake sale to benefit Christmas House in Everett. Employees raised $832 and Sterling Bank gave a corporate donation of $500.
Christmas House is a Snohomish County charity offering gifts of clothing and toys for children of low-income families. Go to www.christmas-house.org for more information.
VOA food bank gets donation from business
The employees of Triumph Structures donated $1,205 to the Volunteers of America Everett Food Bank.
Artie Miller was recognized for his work collecting the cash, which exceeded last year’s donations by almost $300. In addition, Triumph Structures-Everett matched its employees cash contributions and gave an additional $1,205 cash to the food bank.
More holiday donations are scheduled to run in the Applause column on Jan. 1. More information: reporter Gale Fiege, 425-339-3427; gfiege@heraldnet.com.
