Gifts for kids donations lagging

At the halfway point of the annual Christmas Gifts for Cheney Kids, drive organizers say they are ahead of last year’s number when it comes to children signing up, but behind in what they hope to give them on Dec. 16.

Drive coordinator Elsy Lusk said as of Monday, Dec. 5, 105 children had signed up with the hopes of receiving presents this year. Last year at this time the drive had just 75 kids signed up, and ended up distributing gifts to over 200.

“Last year, we had quite a bit more (at this time),” Lusk said regarding gift donations.

The gifts are for children ranging in age from infants up through teens, with organizers suggesting a price range of $15 – $25 per gift. Gift ideas include hats, scarves and gloves, toys, cologne gift sets, books, Legos, games and electronic items along with arts and crafts supplies and stuffed animals.

Typically, over half of the kids registered by their families are teenagers, which can be a tough group to buy for. Lusk said gift cards proved to be a big hit last year, especially cards packaged together that enabled the family to go out for dinner and perhaps a movie.

Some suggested gift cards include iTunes, Starbucks, Macy’s, Best Buy (especially boys), Walmart, Cheney fast food places like Zip’s or Carl’s Jr. and movie theaters such as Village Cinemas in Airway Heights.

In some cases, donated gifts will be all those children receive, and in all instances it will be how they remember their Christmas experience. Lusk said last year they received a number of used gifts, and while the thought is appreciated, she asked that donations be new, unwrapped gifts.

“We’re stressing unopened, new gifts,” she added.

There is still time for families to sign their children up for gifts. Signups take place at Cheney Outreach, 616 Third St., Tuesday, Dec. 13 and Wednesday, Dec. 14, from 9 – 11:30 a.m. Sign ups are limited to Cheney-area families. Parents need to bring proof of residence — a utility bill for instance — income, photo ID and a family Social Security card.

The gift distribution will take place Friday, Dec. 16, at the Wren Pierson Community Center, next door to the city’s fire station. The distribution begins at 8 a.m., which is earlier than previous years, and goes through 1 p.m.

Lusk said the earlier time is to hopefully make it so people who line up early, as has happened in the past, aren’t waiting so long for the distribution to begin.

“I don’t want people standing out there in the cold, but I understand that it’s first-come, first-serve,” she said.

Monetary donations are also appreciated. Checks should be made out to Cheney Outreach and the phrase “Christmas Gifts” on the memo line and dropped off or mailed to Cheney Outreach, P.O. Box 444, Cheney, WA 99004.

Lusk said volunteers are also needed as well. Those interested in helping can call Cheney Lusk at (509) 429-5742.

The final day for donations to be made at Cheney drop boxes is Dec. 14. Donations will be accepted after that date, and arrangements can be made by calling Lusk.

“Between my husband and myself, we will find a way to make it happen,” she added.

Christmas Gifts for Cheney Kids gift drop off locations

Apex Physical Therapy, Bank of America, City Hall, Cheney Dental Clinic, Cheney Federal Credit Union, Cheney Library, Parks and Recreation, Copy Junction, Rockwood Clinic, Owl Pharmacy, Yoke’s Fresh Market, Jarms Ace Hardware, Mitchell’s Harvest Foods, Sears, SNAP Fitness, State Farm Insurance, Emmanuel Lutheran Church, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and United Church of Christ.

Please drop off new, unwrapped gifts in boxes labeled “Xmas Gifts for Cheney Kids.”

John McCallum can be reached at [email protected].