Editor,

As we put away the last of the decorations to welcome in the New Year, we wanted to take a moment to think about the wonderful community we are so blessed to live in and to say thank you! We’ve had the privilege of coordinating a Christmas program for children on Whidbey since 2006, first as an Oak Harbor Venture Club project and then through the Soroptimists.

“Whidbey’s Hope for Christmas” was created to pick up where the Tree of Hope program left off —- by attempting to provide all children in our community with special Christmas memories.

Our volunteers were excited to continue this wonderful tradition and, except for our new name, everything else remains the same. We continue working directly with DSHS by serving all of Whidbey Island’s children in need. Having a central location for participants to pick up applications allows us the flexibility to help more people.

Now in our second year, “WHFC” 2015 proudly served 188 families and 415 children. We combine efforts with Toys for Tots, Help House, Opportunity Council, local businesses, churches and Holiday House, to ensure no child is forgotten at Christmas.

For at least one day these children would have the comfort of knowing that people they’ve never even met, thought about them and tried to make a difference in their lives.

Imagine for a moment that you are a child in need and you wake up on Christmas morning with very little to celebrate. Some of the children in our community were hoping to have a little something, anything at all, for Christmas. Though Christmas is not about the presents, it is the time when we create some of our most precious memories with family and friends. We have no idea what these families may be going through. As decent human beings we try to think of ways to put ourselves in another person’s shoes. How does it feel not having enough money to pay for rent, food or to keep the utilities on for one more day? It’s difficult to imagine not having the basics from day-to-day, let alone during the holidays. These are every day concerns for many in our community and we were thrilled to continue a Christmas program supporting families. When you’re trying to figure out a way to keep the heat on for another month and a roof over your children’s heads, Christmas gifts are not even on your radar.

Every year we receive thank-you cards and tearful hugs from parents who are struggling. Many of whom without a program like this may not be able to provide anything for their children at Christmas.

“WHFC” is offered as an outreach program with the Oak Harbor Church of Christ that has graciously hosted us for the past eight years. Each year they open up their home to us and we wouldn’t be able to accomplish what we do without their generosity. Special Thanks to Les Schwab Tire Center and its customers for supporting our program for the second year with their annual toy drive.

We are constantly amazed at the level of support we receive from our Whidbey Island Community and are thankful for all of the help received each year.

May the Spirit of Christmas stay with you throughout the year.

We can be contacted by email at WhidbeysHope4Christmas@gmail.com or at Whidbey’s Hope for Christmas, P.O. Box 1462, Oak Harbor, WA 98277.

Cheri English

Oak Harbor