Do you know how many children in the greater Black Diamond area run the risk of not having Christmas in their own home each year? According to statistics taken by the Black Diamond Elementary School, 33% of children in Black Diamond come from low-income or poverty level households.
Our gift-giving program serves about 200 youth each year from low-income families from Black Diamond, Ravensdale, Cumberland and the Green River Gorge, children who would otherwise not have anything on Christmas morning, when many others are jumping up with joy.
Applications are now available at the Center for parents. Our distribution day for parents to come pick up items will be the Tuesday before Christmas, December 23rd, from 5pm to 8pm. Any exceptions will be noted in seasonal advertisements and on our Upcoming Events page. In addition to giving out items, we will have a variety of fleece winter clothing, so parents can pick out needed items they don't have money for.
In order to properly serve children of all ages, including teenagers (up to age 17), we collect new unwrapped toys all year long. Around Thanksgiving we put out cards for each youth, noting items requested, along with the age and gender of that child. We also accept cash donations to buy gifts for those we do not receive items for. Other ways of giving include bringing in gift certificates from stores like Fred Meyer or Target. These are great for teenagers, who can be difficult to buy for!
Cards can be picked up at these local businesses: Baker Street Books, Mt. Rainier Bank, Black Diamond Police and City Hall, Lake Sawyer Community Club, Lake Sawyer Store, and the Black Diamond Community Center.
If you would like to make a cash donation today, you may fill out the form below!
BDCC Share the Joy Christmas Presents Donation Form
Tax Receipts will be sent upon receipt of your donation!
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