By The Lopez Island Family Resource Center

Good shoes. Jackets and warm blankets. Kid’s toys for the holidays. Cookware and food. These are just a few of the many items that financially struggling families on Lopez need but are often unable to buy. To help address this need, the Lopez Island Family Resource Center will once again launch its Spirit of Giving Program.

The idea behind this program is to help relieve financial and emotional stress from parents and to bring joy to kids during the holidays. The holidays can be especially hard for financially struggling families. Winter brings higher household expenses for things like heat, just at a time when the income stream for many families is less favorable than the warmer summer months when crops are growing and tourism is higher. Currently 52 percent of the children enrolled in the Lopez School District qualify for the federally funded Free and Reduced Lunch Program. During the two week school holiday break, families must provide breakfast and lunches for their children without this assistance. The LIFRC would like to make sure that all families are able to enjoy their holiday season, rather than be burdened by it.

Last year, 40 families including 92 children received help from the Spirit of Giving Program, and 48 households, including 182 individuals received Thanksgiving baskets. Many volunteers have traditionally stepped up to help the LIFRC fund and coordinate these projects. According to Celia Marquis, LIFRC Executive Director, “We would not be able to do this without the support of the local churches, grocers, and our giving community.”

This year, through the generosity of local church groups, participants in the Spirit of Giving Program will be entered in a drawing for one of twelve special baskets. These baskets include items that are both fun and useful for the family, such as candles, soaps, flashlights, tea and coffee, jams, gloves, family movies, drawing supplies, and more. Additionally, quilts will be donated by The Enchanted Quilters to families that are in need as a part of their Comfort Quilts Programs.

Baked goods are also provided to families as a part of the program. Women that attend the annual Women’s Christmas Tea are asked to donate a baked good that will go toward The Spirit of Giving Program. The Women’s Christmas Tea is sponsored by the Community Church and will be held at the Community Church Fellowship Hall on Saturday, Dec. 14 from 11 a.m. -12:30 p.m. All women are invited to attend, and there will be a Giving Tree set up to allow women to donate to the community in that way as well.

So how can you help? There are several ways! We’d love for you to “Grab a Tag!” You can find these tags on Giving Trees that will be set up around the island. Look for them at the Lopez Library, Islander’s Bank, The Bay Café, The Galley Restaurant, Sunset Builders, Lopez Village Market, the Women’s’ Christmas Tea, and the LIFRC office. We’ll also have a booth at the annual Preschool Bazaar. Bring or mail items listed on the tag to the LIFRC office by December 16^.

If you prefer, LIFRC can do the shopping for you. Cash donations can mailed to LIFRC at PO BOX 732, or made online at www.lifrc.org. Or stop by our office in the village. We are on the top floor of the yellow Children’s Center Building. New this year…All donations from new donors that are received by January 31, 2014 will be matched by the Medina Foundation up to $10,000. “It’s a great way for people to help others in need right here on our own island,” said Patsy Haber, LIFRC program coordinator. “We need the help of the community and hope you will Grab a Tag!” If you are interested in sponsoring an entire family, please feel free to call the LIFRC for more details at 468-4117.