Letter to Editor | Many Brought Holiday Cheer to Island Children

— from Erin O’Dell, Orcas Community Resource Center —

Orcas Island elves by the dozens were head-over-heels busy at the close of 2017, bringing joy to holiday celebrations with gifts to island families.

Thanks to the elves who chose tags from the Giving Tree at Island Market, Orcas children are reading new books, enjoying warm new clothes and playing with the toys they had hoped for. And thank you to the shoppers who, in the holiday spirit, made cash gifts to the Giving Tree Program at Island Market registers. Shopping elves, you made it possible for the helpers at the Community Resource Center (OCRC) to fulfill the needs and wishes of more than 200 Orcas children.

In addition to the very helpful financial donation made by the creative Santas of the Artisan’s Faire to the programs of the OCRC, the artisans contributed a collection of their artistic wares, wide enough in variety for OCRC staff to tuck a little something into stockings all over the island. Thank you, artisans.

Thank you to Emmanuel Parish Orcas Island St. Agnes Guild for its welcomed financial gift to help islanders with food and housing costs.

To the ‘Secret Santa’ who again this year supported the work of OCRC with a gift of Island Market certificates, please accept the gratitude of the many, many islanders who have experienced your sustaining generosity.

Many thanks to Lions Club members who continued their deeply appreciated tradition of very generous annual contributions in support of the Giving Tree.

The members of the Yacht Club’s Women’s Auxiliary started a new tradition with a financial donation gratefully received by OCRC. Adding to that gift, they sent along to families in need a stack of beautiful hand-painted, water-color cards enclosing gift certificates for Island Market purchases, haircuts, and childcare at Kaleidoscope. An example of their clever donated gift baskets were all the fixings for a family movie night – popcorn included, of course. Welcome aboard, yachting women.

At Jim Bredouw’s request, OCRC passed along his gift of 30 tickets for “A Christmas Carol” to six families who enjoyed this Orcas version of the classic and who might not otherwise have had the chance. Jim’s gift was enhanced by the kindness of those at Orcas Center who upped the number of donated tickets by reducing their cost.

Wildlife Cycles donated so many new and refurbished bikes that the elves lost track of how many grinning, grateful kids opened their doors to the delivery of their very own transport. Thanks to Wildlife comes from OCRC staff as well who won’t forget anytime soon the amazed little boy who said, “Is it really mine?’

Two-wheelers were also among the bounty that Ben Caley introduced to Orcas families for a second year. Thanks go to Ben and his cohorts who, working with an organization out of Seattle called “Forgotten Children,” brought toys, bicycles and beautiful, warm coats for the kids, Mom and Dad to more than 20 Orcas families.

To all the Orcasites who gave to OCRC in response to our Fall Appeal and helped keep our doors open year-round, and to all those who supported the Emergency Assistance for Islanders with donations last year to OCRC through the Community Foundation catalogue – you know who you are – THANK YOU.