For many years, the Mercer Island Youth and Family Services (MIYFS) Department has operated a Winter Holiday Gift program for families experiencing economic insecurity on the Island, by collecting gifts and funds so that no child would celebrate their family’s winter holiday without a gift or a special holiday meal.
In December 2024, there were 130+ MI Families – including seniors and 90+ children under 18 years old – that depended on the MIYFS Department Holiday Program to provide gift cards for holiday meals and gifts.
Please consider making donating to the Winter Holiday Program part of your holiday traditions, as your contribution helps families enjoy the festive holiday season.
Your monetary, tax-deductible donation will be used to purchase gift cards for families in the program. Gift cards give participants the opportunity and dignity of choosing exactly what they and their family members need. For some, this may mean extra groceries or needed clothing; for others, it could mean special holiday gifts for their children.
The anticipated cost to serve all families in the program, including both gifts and special holiday meals, is $25,000 and we can’t do it without your help!