Hopelink Kirkland Issues Urgent Plea for Gift Donations

is sending out an urgent plea for donations of toys and gifts for local families in need because the center’s shelves are almost bare -- three days before Christmas.

“It’s been a struggle this year,” Kris Betker, Hopelink spokeswoman, said Thursday morning. “Donations are down and demand is up. I know people have been generous, but overall, donations are down this year.”

More than 1,000 families signed up for gift assistance this year at the Kirkland center, and staff say the gift room’s shelves have never been so bare. Some 200 families are scheduled to pick up gifts, and about all that is left are Beanie Babies.

Particularly needed are new clothing and gifts for older kids, such as sports equipment and memorabilia, electronics, cameras, jewelry and makeup kits. All ages need warm clothes, sweatshirts and sports clothing.

Hopelink’s “Lend a Hoping Hand” campaign is aimed at helping local homeless and low-income families, children, seniors and people with disabilities have a happier holiday season. The gift rooms are stocked with donations from local toy drives, corporate-sponsored giving trees, and individual contributions.

The Hopelink center at 11011 120th Ave. NE in the Totem Lake/Par Mac area will be open today from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and welcomes any gifts that can be donated.