Community Focus

Wanted: new, unwrapped toys

The Lynnwood Firefighters, VFW Post 1040 and VFW Post 1040 Auxiliary are collecting new, unwrapped toys for the US Marine Corps Reserve Toys For Tots Christmas campaign. The deadline is Dec. 23.

All new and unwrapped toys can be dropped off at any of three locations: Lynnwood Fire Station, located at 188th Street SW. and 44th Avenue W.; Lynnwood Fire Station, located at 188th Street SW. and 68th Avenue W.; Lynnwood Recreation Center, located at 189th Street SW. and 44th Avenue W.

For information, contact Captain Forbes at 425-744-6435 or Martin Spani at 425-918-5401.

HomeStreet Bank “Clothes for Kids”

The Mountlake Terrace branch of HomeStreet Bank will host a clothing drive to benefit Clothes for Kids. Founded in 1984, Clothes for Kids provides quality new and “like-new” free clothing and shoes to children of low-income families.

The clothing drive is 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday until Dec. 30, at HomeStreet Bank, Mountlake Terrace branch, 22001 66th Ave. W., Mountlake Terrace. Santa photos are set for 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Dec. 21.

On Dec. 21, the branch will offer free photos with Santa Claus.

For information, call 425- 771-8000.

Boy Scouts collect, recycle Christmas trees

In the city of Lynnwood, Boy Scout troops will be out collecting residents’ Christmas trees on three different days around the beginning of the new year. The collection dates are: Saturday, Dec. 31; Saturday, Jan. 7; and Sunday, Jan. 8.

Look for tree-cycling flyers distributed in your neighborhood mid-December for information. The scouts will also staff a drop-off site for residents wanting to recycle their tree. For information, check the flyer or call the city’s recycling coordinator at 425-670-8302. Donations will support next year’s scout activities.

Chamber aids local food bank

The South Snohomish County Chamber of Commerce (SSCCC) is collecting donations for the Lynnwood Food Bank.

Donations of non-perishable food will continue to be accepted at chamber’s office, located at 3815 196th St. SW, Ste. 136 in Lynnwood, through Dec. 20. The food bank’s dedicated volunteer staff also collects and allocates toys during the Christmas season.

Fire 1 Foundation raises $21,000

The Fire 1 Foundation raised at least $21,000 for its 2005 community service projects at its annual Holiday Harvest Dinner and Auction last month.

“The auction far exceeded our goals. We’re thankful to all the individuals and businesses that made this event a success,” said Leslie Hynes, Fire 1 Foundation president.”The money we raised will go a long way toward helping us help others in the community we serve in the coming year.”

The foundation is a nonprofit organization founded by employees of Fire District 1 to support service projects in the community served by the fire department. The funds will be used for the following projects:

• The Good Neighbor Fund helps citizens in need — be it groceries for a single parent, gas for a stranded motorist or some other need fire fighters observe in the course of doing their jobs.

• Taxi voucher program offers patients transported to the hospital who don’t have any other way to get home a voucher for a free taxi ride.

• Scholarships for firefighters and fire service technology students.

The foundation is already making plans for next year’s auction in November 2006. To make a donation, become a sponsor or volunteer with the Fire 1 Foundation, contact Hynes at (425) 551-1243.

Fire District 1 is the largest provider of fire and emergency medical services in south Snohomish County serving approximately 150,000 residents in the neighborhoods of Silver Firs, Eastmont, Mariner, Lake Serene, Picnic Point, Martha Lake, Lake Stickney, Norma Beach, Hilltop, Pioneer Trails and the cities of Mountlake Terrace and Brier.

City manager, council take oath

On Jan. 3., the new Mountlake Terrace City Manager, and in-coming councilmembers will be sworn in in early January. The ceremony will begin at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 3, at Mountlake Terrace City Hall.

The city attorney will administer the oath of office to Councilmembers Angela Amundson, Michelle Angrick, Jerry Smith, and Doug Wittinger as well as John Caulfield, the new Mountlake Terrace city manager.

Afterwards, the council will elect the mayor and mayor pro tem from among the new council members. The mayor serves a two-year term and the mayor pro-tem serves a one-year term.

Fire Corp volunteers are welcome

The Lynnwood Fire Department is looking for citizens who want to use their talents to make the community safer. Fire Corps is a newly established group that aids the Lynnwood Fire Department by promoting fire and life safety programs in homes, schools, businesses and community groups. If you are interested in finding out more, call 425-744-6436.

Good people can help Lynnwood cops

The Lynnwood Police Department’s Volunteers in Public Safety (VIPS) is recruiting. VIPS are local, active men and women who are typically retired, to help their community and have some fun.

Among other activities, the VIPS are responsible for the City’s free house check service. When residents plan on being away from their homes for a time, they can sign up at the police station for VIPS to make daily checks on their homes.

VIPS are uniformed civilians who drive Crime Prevention police patrol cars and assist the department in a variety of ways. Police volunteers assisted those who have locked themselves out of their vehicles; they’ve directed traffic at car accidents, and helped people who’ve run out of gas.

For information, call Lynnwood Police Crime Prevention Officer and VIPS coordinator Shannon Sessions at 425-744-6938.

Drivers wanted in senior program

The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of Snohomish County is seeking drivers for driving its clients to and from doctor’s appointments. Help your neighbor maintain an independent lifestyle.

Mileage reimbursement provided. Drivers must be at least 21, have insurance, a valid driver’s license and a safe, running vehicle. Contact 425-257-2111, ext. 3374 or JohnM@ccsww.org for more information.

Assist elderly with home, yard work

Catholic Community Services needs volunteers to help the elderly and disabled with yard work or light housework in Snohomish County throughout the year. Group leader or the individual will need to fill out an application, which requires a background check and three references. For more information call 425-257-2111, ext. 3359.

Girls Scouts look for a few helpers

Girl Scouts need volunteers. If you’re a young professional between the ages of 18 and 29, an adult, parent or grandparent, you could be an adviser. For more information contact 800-767-6845 or visit www.girlscoutstotem.org/ Volunteer/volops.htm.

Food needed for homeless families

Pathways for Women YWCA is experiencing a shortage of non-perishable food items to fill emergency food boxes for homeless families. They are seeking hearty soups, canned meats, box dinners, Jell-O gelatin and pudding, canned chili, dried or flaked potatoes, cereal, honey, bake mixes, peanut butter, jams and jellies, dry beverages (i.e., hot chocolate, instant coffee), popcorn, candy, snack foods and gift cards to local grocery stores for purchasing perishable food. All donations are tax deductible.

Drop off items at Pathways for Women YWCA, 6027 – 208th Street SW, Lynnwood, or call 425-774-9843, ext. 245, or 425-258-2766, ext. 150, for information.

Pathways for Women YWCA is a non-profit, multi-service agency providing shelter, employment and counseling services to women, children and families throughout Snohomish County.