Local groups gift holiday presents to families in need

Sharing Wheels gifts local children bicycles

More than 150 Snohomish County children have new bikes this fall courtesy of Sharing Wheels Community Bike Shop and its supporters.

With help from more than 75 volunteers, the nonprofit new and used bikes for low income families this fall. About 100 bikes were matched with folks through the Everett bike shop, others were distributed through the Salvation Army, Dawson’s Place, Interfaith Family Shelter, Everett High School PTA and Domestic Violence Services.

These bike gifts were made possible by the generosity of the community,” said Christy Cowley, the organization’s executive director.

Donations of cash or gently-used bikes supported the giveaway. Additional aid came from the Stillaguamish Tribe who provided a $5,400 grant, Eagle Scout Henry Amend who raised $3,000 for new bikes that fellow Scouts helped build and the Everett Sail and Power Squadron which donated 34 new bikes.

Sharing Wheels bought helmets to accompany each bike.

150 kids receive Christmas presents from local firefighters

Last month, Snohomish Regional Fire and Rescue continued its 11-year tradition of delivering gifts to families in need during the holiday season.

Through partnerships with local nonprofits families are identified in the service area who need assistance. This year, 150 kids received gifts from the fire and rescue team.

“We are honored and humbled to have this opportunity to help families in need, especially this year,” said Lieutenant Joe Basta, the organizer of the annual gift giving drive. “So many families have been dealing with more this year, and this is small way to show them that we care.”

Edmonds College student wins Optimal scholarship

Eric Chung, a student at Edmonds College, earned a $5,000 Community College Scholarship from Optimal, an education research publisher and scholarship provider. Chung was one of 11 to receive the award.

“I am blessed and honored to receive this scholarship,” he said. “I doubted myself when I applied, and I was surprised to receive the congratulatory letter from Optimal. Anything can happen, so don’t give up.”

A first-generation college student and first-generation American, Chung plans to transfer to University of Washington in 2022 to continue his study of computer science.

“My long-term goal is to use my degree to expand access to technology and to contribute to technologies used in deep space exploration,” Chung said.

Mukilteo Yacht Club donation

The Mukilteo Yacht Club members donated more than 230 lbs. of food and $100 to support the Mukilteo Food Bank. Club Commodore Terry O’Reilly and the club’s members hope these contributions make the season a little brighter for their Mukilteo neighbors.