Jubilee Friends,
Thank you for being a Jubilee Elf this Christmas, and Happy New Year!
As we roll into 2024, it is a good time to look back on the holiday season and reflect on the many blessings provided through the Jubilee Elves Christmas program. We hope your hearts remain filled with love, knowing Christmas was more joy-filled for those in our community by the collective efforts of so many like you. Often, being the giver of gifts and joy can be as impactful on oneself as it is for the receiver. May it be so for you.
Your generosity this season ensured Christmas was a time of celebration and memories for many families who otherwise would have been without support. For the children, it means they see their parents as providing, which builds both memories and bonds that will last a lifetime. The smiles, hugs, squeals of delight, and bursts of happiness meant their home was filled with love.
This year, Jubilee Elves expanded to three distinct parts, which we want to highlight quickly so the full view is seen:
Phase 1: Beginning in October, families known to Jubilee through other programs and relationships were registered to Jubilee Elves. In early November, Elves in the community began sponsoring these families, which formed the foundation of a Christmas bundle given to each. On Sunday, December 10, a festive event was held to shower these families with the gifts, as well as the love of Christmas. Here’s a quick view:
286 families were served
705 children are in these families
Families received:
Fred Meyer gift cards to buy presents for each child
Fred Meyer gift card for the family to buy groceries
Jubilee tote bag
Fleece blanket
Christmas wreath
Knitted hats, gloves and scarves
Freshly baked bread
Christmas stockings
Wrapping paper, clear tape, bows & ribbon
Hot chocolate & cookies
Phase 2: In October, families who are part of the Jubilee Before & After School program registered their children for Jubilee Elves. Elementary age and younger children were able to request specific gifts, while middle and high school age children were able to request gift cards. These were added to an online registry, where Elves could sponsor a child by name. Their gift(s) were wrapped and brought to Jubilee for a festive distribution on Thursday, December 14. Here’s a quick view:
41 families were served
104 children are in these families
Families received:
Gifts and gift cards for their children, as requested
Fred Meyer gift card for the family to buy groceries
Jubilee tote bag
Fleece blanket
Christmas wreath
Christmas stockings
Wrapping paper, clear tape, bows & ribbon
Phase 3: In early December, Jubilee learned of a known group of families in the Bellevue School District who were experiencing homelessness and did not have any organization supporting them at Christmas. A new Elves program was soon in place to respond. Families were able to register their children, giving a few personal preferences for each. These details were, in turn, added to an online registry where Elves could sponsor a child by fulfilling a tailor-made Christmas package. Soon, beautifully wrapped gifts were arriving at Jubilee in all sizes and colors, each destined for one specific child. At the same time, the Bellevue Fire Department, a local car collectors club and many individuals in the community began delivering new toys to Jubilee. On December 15, a first-time holiday event was held to pass the gifts to families. Here’s a quick view:
134 families were served
246 children are in these families
Families received:
One wrapped gift for each child
A pullover, sweater or hoodie in their size and favorite color
A gift card to their favorite store
Winter hat and gloves
Socks
Holiday candy
Hygiene items
Safeway gift cards for the family to buy groceries or gas
Christmas wreath
Choice of toys for each child from the “toy store”
To say thank you to the wonderful Elves, many families wrote thank you notes.
You have made a difference and answered the highest call to Love our Neighbor. May your heart be filled with joy and love because of it.
Thank you, Bless you and Happy New Year!
The Jubilee REACH Family