Submitted by Lopez Island Family Resource Clinic.

When we think of the holidays, many of us envision a joyful, magical time of year. We picture tables overflowing with food, decorations and presents and rooms full of family and friends. But for others, the holiday season can be a stressful and difficult time.

Here on our little island, 1,000 adults and children do not have enough income to cover basic needs. As winter approaches, that struggle increases, particularly in the way of high heating bills.

To help ease the holiday burden, the LIFRC provides additional food for holiday meals and organizes the holiday Spirit of Giving program.

Through the Lopez Food Share, we invite households to do their own shopping, providing them with turkeys, stuffing, rolls, locally sourced vegetables, and made from scratch pies donated by churches, schools, and community members.

The Spirit of Giving Program offers families with children gift cards, food vouchers, toys generously donated by local businesses and churches, and quilts handmade by the Enchanted Quilters. Last year, parents purchased wish-list items for over 100 children, empowering them to make their children’s wishes come true.

If you want to help them do so again this year, there are several ways to contribute to the Spirit of Giving Program. Tags for gift certificates will be available at, Banner Bank, Lopez Bookshop, Lopez Village Market, Southend General Store, Sunset Builders and LIFRC!

Community members may donate cash, gift certificates, or sponsor a family by mail at PO Box 732, by online donation at www.lifrc.org, or at our offices located in the McCabe Building, 23 Pear Tree Ln. Gift certificates should be brought or mailed to the LIFRC by no later than December 15th, so that families have time to do their holiday shopping. Donations of any size are appreciated. Please call the LIFRC at 360-468-4117 with questions.

Your donation helps hard-working individuals and families enjoy the holiday season without the added stress and worry of making ends meet.

This year, give the gift of giving.