Have you noticed that Christmas started a lot earlier this year?!!?!

And the Christmas lights on the houses seemed to be a bit more festive? :)

***DECK THE HALLS! MIX THE EGGNOG!***
***The people declare that Christmas must commence!***

2020 has been quite a year, and people seemed to be doing their best to make the Christmas season brighter than ever.

Likewise, With Love focused on making this year’s “Season of Giving” the best one yet!

The goal was to fill 500 “stockings” with bigger and better gifts than ever before.

Tye-dyed pillow cases were stuffed full of toys and goodies.

The spirit of Christmas was alive and well!

Thanks to the generosity and hard work of the community, this goal was met!

Supplying toys and materials could be accomplished in various ways. However, supporting local shops and businesses was encouraged.

Furthermore, people could contribute to Amazon lists designed for 5, 25, or 50 children.

Neighborhoods and companies worked together, creating hubs for toy collection.

Churchill Mortgage and Move Realty volunteered to assemble the stockings. By December 21, stockings were distributed throughout the state through DHS, deliveries, partnering non-profits, foster parent night out, and the big holiday drive through event.

Despite the drizzle on a grey Portland morning on December 19, volunteers showed up enthusiastically, ready to distribute Christmas joy to many foster parents.

There was a need; the call was answered.

Organized bins of clothing, books, toys and Christmas goodies were ready for pick up!

Additionally, With Love partnered with Olympus Controls for a magnificent bike giveaway.

They donated money to buy and assemble 145 bikes.

In addition to receiving a brand new bicycle, foster families were also gifted Starbucks cards and hand sanitizer; they could also shop for extra items, all from the comfort of their car.

I think it’s safe to say that despite the difficulties of this year, the community has pulled together to create fantastic outreach events at With Love.

This year’s end of season giving really demonstrated just how much people are willing to love and support the mission of foster families.

As we head into 2021, we have high hopes that life will operate a bit more normally.

However, may we never lose that sense of urgency

to love

and serve

and give.