Submitted by Lopez Island Family Resource Center

Twenty years ago, the first gift was donated to Lopez Island Family Resource Center’s Spirit of Giving Program to bring joy, make spirits bright, and help fulfill children’s holiday wishes. Fast forward to today: LIFRC’s Spirit of Giving holiday trees help a hundred children and their families every year celebrate the joy of the season and find gifts under the tree. The generosity of the Lopez community makes sure that island kids have a merry and bright holiday.

LIFRC has seen a sharp increase in people who need holiday assistance this year. Many Lopez parents are struggling to make ends meet in the current economic climate, which has been made more challenging with the loss of seasonal employment. “I’m already late on rent for last month,” a client recently told us, “and the holidays are right around the corner. It’s always stressful. But this year tops them all.”

As families across Lopez continue to experience the financial fallout caused by the pandemic, community contributions are more important than ever. Many Lopezians need help for the first time. Your donation means that parents won’t have to choose between paying rent, buying a child a winter coat, or wrapping presents for their children.

Covid-19 restrictions require that our 20th-anniversary Spirit of Giving Program look a bit different. The safest gift this year is a gift card. This is one of several ways to contribute and brighten a child’s season.

Make a gift directly to LIFRC

LIFRC will use donations earmarked for Spirit of Giving to purchase gift cards from retailers requested by families. Secure online donations can be made at —or with a check mailed to LIFRC, P.O. Box 732, Lopez Island 98261.

Gift cards from local Lopez businesses or online retailers

Gift cards can be distributed safely to parents, who then have the flexibility to purchase exactly what their children wants. Gift cards can be dropped off at three locations: LVM, Lopez Bookshop or LIFRC. (Please call in advance to drop off at LIFRC (360) 468-4117.)

Pull a tag from a local LIFRC Holiday giving tree

Giving trees are located at Blossom Grocery, Lopez Bookshop, Lopez Village Market, Southend Market & Café and Sunset Builders.

Sponsor a Family

To fulfill a family’s entire gift wishlist, make a donation of $300 to LIFRC.

Gift cards as well as new, unwrapped gifts can be dropped off at LIFRC on Sunday, December 13th from 12–2p.m. Thanks for bringing holiday cheer and smiles to Lopez families!

About Lopez Island Family Resource Center (LIFRC) Since 1997, LIFRC has provided programs and services to support, enrich, educate, and empower the entire Lopez community.

Contact: Susannah Dunlap

susannah@lifrc.org

(360) 468-4117 (office)

(360) 622 -8719 (cell)