SULTAN — Some children may not receive a Christmas present this year.
That’s why Sultan Winterfest is calling for volunteers to help be Santa Claus for underprivileged children in the community.
The Sultan Winterfest is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday at the commons room of Sultan High School, 13715 310th Ave. SE.
The event will have food, beverages and a holiday bazaar of 40 tables filled with crafts. School bands will provide the entertainment.
The event is organized by the Volunteers of America Sky Valley Family and Community Resource Center, which also plans to start its toy drive campaign.
“This is a part community event, part kick-off of our Giving Tree campaign,” said Dave Wood, services director for the Sky Valley Family Center.
The Giving Tree campaign seeks toys for children up to 12 years old from low-income families or families struggling financially this Christmas.
On the Winterfest, people can sign up to buy Christmas presents for a local child. Information will be provided, including the child’s age, clothing size, favorite colors and interests, Wood said.
The children who would benefit live in Sultan, Gold Bar, Startup, Index and in unincorporated parts as far as Stevens Pass.
Last year, 527 children received presents. Wood expects the need to be bigger this year because of the economic downturn. As evidence, Wood notes that last week there were more meals served at the Thanksgiving dinner hosted by his organization for families in need.
“We served 105 more meals this year than the year before,” Wood said.
In total, 302 meals were served at the Sultan Harvest Thanksgiving Dinner on Thursday.
People who sign up have until Dec. 15 to bring the presents, along with wrapping paper to Volunteers of America, 701 First St., or the Sky Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Information Center, at 320 Main St. in Sultan.
Volunteers of America will also accept toys and food donations during the Winterfest.
Other groups and organizations will also be there with their fundraisers.
The Sultan Education Foundation will sell hamburgers and chili dogs at the “Santa’s Cafe” in the home economic classroom to raise funds and provide information about the program. The foundation raises money for scholarships.
Last year, the foundation raised $27,000 in scholarships which were given to 27 students in the area, president Debbie Copple said.
Copple invites people to attend the Winterfest for Christmas festivities, home cooking and the chance to help a local high school senior.
“Knowing that you are helping a student from the Sultan School District to further their education is a Christmas present for you”, she said.
Alejandro Dominguez: 425-339-3422; adominguez@heraldnet.com.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
