CHRISTMAS FUND

Donations of time, money and toys helped the nonprofit Skagit Valley Herald Christmas Fund finish a successful 73rd season in 2022, serving 1,974 low-income families that included 5,419 children.

That was more than 2021, when the fund assisted 1,856 families with 5,226 children, according to Christmas Fund Co-administrator Lynn Postler. The fund spent $54,578 on toys for children, while many other toys were provided directly from community members. Individuals and organizations also provide the money each year that keeps this program going. Gifts ranged from a few dollars from donors who had little to share to large gifts and grants from major local organizations. The fund has historically raised most of its money during the holiday season, though funds are accepted all year. Most of the $181,223 raised in 2022 will go toward helping low-income families next Christmas.

The fund aims to give out toys, books and grocery cards to help low-income families celebrate the holidays. This year’, the fund distributed over 5,200 books. Grocery cards worth $40 (bought at an 8% discount) were given to families, and an additional $30 card was given to larger families.

As is typical, volunteers — 169 this past season — contributed over 1,315 hours, taking in toys, preparing them for distribution and helping to hand them out at a drivethrough event at the local fairgrounds.

Postler and co-administrator Paula Becker will now rest for several months before the program gets going again. Learn more at goskagit.com/xmasfund/