For many families, the holiday season is a time of excitement, traditions and making memories together.
“But for families facing financial hardship, the holidays can also bring a painful question: How do I make Christmas special for my children when I’m already struggling to provide the basics?
This year, Family Education & Support Services (FESS) is asking local businesses, organizations, churches, schools, community groups and individuals across Lewis, Mason, Thurston and Grays Harbor counties to help make sure families don't have to choose between putting food on the table and putting gifts under the tree.
FESS is seeking community partners to host a Giving Tree or adopt a family for the holidays.
Last year, more than 385 family members across three counties received holiday gifts through FESS, according to a news release from the organization.
This year, FESS expects that number to grow significantly as the organization has expanded its Basic Needs Program and now extends PCAP services into Grays Harbor County.
The families receiving holiday assistance are not strangers to FESS. They are parents, caregivers and children who are already participating in FESS programs and working to build stronger, healthier and more stable families. Many are navigating circumstances that make meeting everyday needs difficult. For them, receiving a few carefully chosen gifts can mean far more than what is wrapped inside the package.
It can mean a parent doesn't have to sit awake at night wondering how they will create a holiday for their children.
It can mean a child gets to experience the excitement of opening a gift chosen just for them.
It can mean a family gets to focus, even for a moment, on being together rather than worrying about what they cannot afford.
"For many of the families we serve, these gifts are about so much more than presents," said Lynsi Polanco, FESS development director. "They tell a parent that their community sees them, cares about them and wants their children to experience the joy and magic of the holidays. That is incredibly powerful."
FESS believes that strong families are built through support, connection and community. Holiday giving is one more way neighbors can surround families with that support when they need it most.
There are several ways to help. Community partners can host a Giving Tree, allowing employees, customers, congregations, students or community members to select gift tags and purchase requested items. Businesses, organizations and individuals can also adopt a family, providing gifts based on the family's specific needs and wishes.
Whether it is a bicycle, a favorite toy, warm clothing, a book or something as simple as a stocking filled with small surprises, every gift matters.
And every gift tells a family: You are not alone.
FESS is currently looking for partners throughout Lewis, Mason, Thurston and Grays Harbor counties who are willing to help make the holidays brighter for local families.
Those interested in hosting a Giving Tree or adopting a family are encouraged to contact Lynsi Polanco at LynsiP@familyess.org.
Together, our communities can make sure more children wake up on Christmas morning knowing that someone thought of them and that more parents can experience the joy of watching their children's faces light up.
Because sometimes, a gift is more than a gift. Sometimes, it is hope wrapped in a box.
FESS is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring healthy child development through quality family support services.
FESS works alongside families to strengthen protective factors, reduce stressors and connect parents and caregivers with the resources, education and support they need to help their families thrive.
Through programs ranging from parenting education and peer support to basic needs assistance and kinship caregiver support, FESS works upstream to help families before challenges become crises.
For more information on FESS programs or to donate, please visit www.FamilyESS.org.
