Lynnwood Today and My Edmonds News are partnering to bring some holiday cheer to a local mom and her two kids who have been struggling to make ends meet. But we are still in need of a few items for the family, including household supplies and personal care items (i.e. shampoo) and clothing donations for both children — see list below. We have also left on the list items that we have received donations for but the family could use more of (i.e. grocery store gift cards).

We appreciate the generosity of our readers as well as area businesses who have been willing to make donations to the family, who came to our attention through Clothes For Kids, a Lynnwood-based non-profit that provides school wardrobes to needy children.

This family is a mother, a 7-year-old boy and a 10-year-old girl. They have been homeless for a few years, living in motels and even in their car. They were recently placed into Section 8 housing. The children attend an elementary school in the area.

Here is what has been donated so far:

– A $100 Top Foods gift card
– A $25 grocery store gift card
– A new twin bed for each child and a gently-used queen bed for mom.
– A set of flannel sheets for each child’s bed, pillow, blanket and a quilt for girl’s bed.
– A large bedspread
– A colorful shower curtain (with hooks), 3 sets of matching towels, bath rug, small garbage can and a laundry basket filled with cleaning products.
– A pizza/bowling party at Lynnwood Bowl.
– A gently-used Nintendo system and games
– A combination LCD TV/DVD player
– New art kits
– A CD player and 2 CDs and a Monster High doll set for the girl
– A large remote control truck and two Lego sets for the boy.
– Annual membership to Imagine Children’s Museum
– A refurbished Wii.

We will run a complete list with names of all donors as soon as we reach our deadline of Dec. 22 and have a complete accounting of donations.

Below are gift suggestions and clothing sizes for the children. (They are suggestions only. Feel free to use your own judgment.) Gifts may be dropped off at Clothes For Kids. Please designate “Lynnwood Today” or “My Edmonds News” somewhere on the package. Financial contributions may be sent via PayPal (to myedmondsnews@gmail.com). We can also pick up items. Just drop us a line.

Local businesses are encouraged to participate – toys, gift cards or cash donations are all welcome. Each donor will be recognized on Lynnwood Today and My Edmonds News, unless you choose to remain anonymous.

Thank you for making a difference for a local family this holiday season.

Suggestions

Girl, 10-years-old

CD player/radio, pink
CDs for a 10-year-old girl
Nintendo DSI games (someone gave her the game system but she doesn’t have any games)
Board games – ages 8 and up for her and her brother
Girl’s clothing – size 18/20 (best place to find plus-size girl clothing are JCPenney and Justice. There is an urgent need for clothing.)
Shoes – size 4 1/2
Socks and underwear
Double-A batteries

Boy, 7-years-old

Nintendo DSI game system and games (age appropriate)
Remote control car or helicopter
Action figures
Shoes – size 4
Jeans (size to be determined)
Shirts, boxers or socks – size 14

Family Items

TV with a DVD player (the family does not have a TV or cable)
Nintendo Wii and games
Blankets
Beds (the children don’t have mattresses)
Bedding/pillows
Towels
Laundry soap
Toiletries, shampoo, bath wash, bar soap, toothpaste and toothbrushes
Dish soap
Bath tissue
Set of dishes
Gift cards to local groceries
Pre-made Christmas dinner (such as from Safeway or Albertsons)