Page 14 – We Love Our City

FW Cares for Kids

DECEMBER 17

FW Cares for Kids, the non-profit in Federal Way that organizes the holiday toy drive/event for families in need, is collecting toys and donations for this year’s event. Families will submit wish lists and sign up for a slot to pick up the holiday gifts for their family, along with wrapping supplies. They will dress up the pick-up area with Santa, hot chocolate, popcorn and fun holiday décor to help keep the holiday spirit alive and make it a special pick-up drive-through experience.

We are anticipating an even greater need in 2022 as the economy has hit families in a real way. This is where we could really use your help.

Four Ways to Give

Annual Turkey Drive

NOVEMBER 20

Drop off a 12-15 pound frozen turkey at Family Life Community Church or Brooklake Church between 9 am – 12 pm. You can also give online and we will shop for you!

Turkeys will be donated to local food banks & FW Veterans Center.

Blanket Federal Way

NOVEMBER – DECEMBER 2022

Together in partnership with Sackcloth & Ashes, Federal Way Young Life would like to invite you to Blanket Federal Way this November and December. Young Life desires to reach EVERY KID, and Sackcloth & Ashes desires to reach EVERY PERSON experiencing homelessness. Recent statistics indicate that approximately 1,000 kids within the Federal Way School District are experiencing some type of homelessness.

Our vision is big, but we also believe God is able!

Will you join us this winter to Blanket Federal Way and bless all of these families? Our goal is to sell 1,000 blankets so we can donate 1,000 more! For every blanket purchased from Federal Way Young Life, one will be donated to a kid or family experiencing homelessness.

Shop Blankets

Thanksgiving Club

NOVEMBER 14

It’s hard to believe, but Thanksgiving Club is less than a month away! This long-standing tradition for Federal Way Young Life is one of our most-anticipated events. It began in a private home for just a handful of kids and leaders and grew to a city-wide event held at Federal Way High School. During COVID, our community of staff, leaders, and volunteers responded to the disruption by delivering meals, pies, and treats to our Young Life kids and their families. Last year, we began to rebuild and once again hosted a small but sweet Thanksgiving meal in a private home. This year, we continue to grow as we bring Thanksgiving Club back to a school — this time, at Decatur High School.

And so we ask you to join us in serving our teens an abundant Thanksgiving feast by donating and/or dishing food during the meal. It is truly a time of joy and gratitude and we would love for you to be a part of it! We need dozens of dishes and sides, so please share and invite your friends and family to help out as well! You will be blessed!

Will you help us fill their plates with turkey, ham, stuffing, gravy, potatoes, pie, and more? We appreciate any and all donations!

Our Community Gets an A+ for Generosity!

The Red Canoe Credit Union started the annual community Fill the Canoe Back to School Drive in 2009. They generously matched $1 per pound of school supplies donated & also provided a dollar-per-dollar match. Thousands of dollars and supplies have been donated to the families in our communities over the years.

We did our homework and the drive looked a little different this year. The FWPS district is providing supplies but advised us there was a need for quality backpacks. This year, the Red Canoe Credit Union partnered with We Love Our City with the goal of collecting 1000 backpacks. Over 25 local churches, businesses, non-profits & community members accepted the challenge! Donations are being distributed to the FWPS district, Communities in Schools, Boys & Girls Club, FW Veterans Center, and a variety of back-to-school events. We are always thrilled and amazed at the generosity of our community.

We are happy to announce, that with the help of all our partners, we exceeded our goal with 1100 backpacks & 2838 pounds of supplies! We are grateful for all our donors and we are excited to help our students kick off the new school year!