Buses stuffed, and then some

The annual Stuff a Bus charity drive benefitting local families supported by Volunteers of America Western Washington had a record-breaking holiday season.

The Fred Meyer at Murphy’s Corner brought in 7,636 pounds of food, as well as 2,412 toys and clothing items with an estimated value of more than $23,500, plus more than $1,200 in cash donations.

The Monroe Fred Meyer location was a new addition this year, managed by VOAWW, and brought in more than 5,600 pounds of food, more than 200 toys and $940 in cash donations.

Stuff a Bus is sponsored by the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 883, in partnership with Fred Meyer and Everett Transit.

Housing Hope recognizes volunteers

In 2015, 502 Housing Hope volunteers gave 4,502 hours of their time, worth a value of $123,985. To honor the work of its top volunteers, Housing Hope announced its Volunteers of the Year: Donna Leder of Arlington, Jade Phillips of Everett, and the Smokey Point Community Church.

For volunteer opportunities with Housing Hope, contact Jana Phillips at 425-347-6556 or janaphillips@housinghope.org.

Sharing Wheels gifts 120 bikes

More than 120 low-income kids served by Christmas House got a special bike this holiday season, thanks to 380 hours of work by Sharing Wheels volunteers. Volunteers with the community bike shop polished, repaired and installed $1,500 worth of new parts, such as pink bike seats, purple grips — whatever it took to make the bikes ready for new riders.

The Everett nonprofit, which connects unused bikes with people who need wheels, is looking to expand its volunteer roster in 2016 as well as its fundraising efforts in hopes of finding a new location. Learn more at www.sharingwheels.org or call 425-252-6952.

Cities recognize employees

Mountlake Terrace recognized city employees at an annual appreciation breakfast in December.

The Police Officer of the Year was detective Pat Lowe.

Extra Mile Awards were given to dance programmer Chloe Davenport, senior planner Edith Duttlinger, Animal Control officer Elena McKee and civil engineer Thad Newport.

Customer Service Awards went to maintenance worker Kasey Cundy, Support Services representative Yelena Grant, construction inspector Tom Moehrle and permit specialist Susie Read.

The city of Mukilteo also recently recognized star employees.

Crime Prevention officer Colt Davis was recognized as the Employee of the Quarter. Permit Services supervisor Shawna Gossett was named Supervisor of the Quarter.

Earlier in the year, surface water technician Jennifer Adams and IT Manager Mary Thomas were named Employee and Supervisor of the Quarter, respectively.

Special deliveries at Casino apartments

Melissa Catlin, a resident of Parkside Apartments on Casino Road in Everett, on Dec. 24 delivered gifts donated by Jody Albrecht to about 100 kids who live at the complex. Albrecht “loves Christmas and wanted to bless a few children this holiday season,” Catlin said. “There were many surprised and happy, smiling faces as bags were handed to them.”

The Everett Mall Way Goodwill store offered a discount for the purchase of toys, and Taco Bell donated bags to hold the gifts.

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