More December 24, 2013

‘Tis the Season of Giving at Windermere

Some of the best gifts received are the ones least expected. Across the country we’re seeing stories about generous individuals giving anonymously to help brighten the holidays for those in need – like paying off the balances of layaway bills or paying for a family’s extended stay at a motel so that they won’t end up in the streets. These acts of kindness and giving are truly inspiring.

We are fortunate to be part of a network of individuals who are committed to helping those in need in their communities, and who have such a tremendous capacity for giving. We are grateful for all the Windermere agents that make the Windermere Foundation possible. Through their contributions and donations from the community, the Foundation is able to provide support to local social service agencies that help low-income and homeless families.

Many of our Windermere offices throughout our network adopted families this holiday season, providing them with toys, clothes, gift cards and other items for Christmas. Here is just a sample of this season’s efforts…

Pioneer Services of Lynnwood

Twenty-one boys, living in group homes run by Pioneer Services of Lynnwood, were adopted by agents at the Windermere Lynnwood office and received Christmas presents. In addition, families receiving family preservation services also received $2,500 worth of gift cards for Top Foods. Thanks to the agents of Windermere Lynnwood for making this possible!

Navos

Families adopted through Navos received gift certificates to purchase shoes at Target and shop for groceries at Fred Meyer. And the kids received everything on their Christmas wish lists thanks to the Windermere Relocation and Referral Services office in Seattle.

Port Orchard Rotary Group

Five families received Christmas gifts thanks to the Windermere Port Orchard office. A list of three needs and three wants were fulfilled and were delivered to the Rotary group for wrapping. The adopted families picked up their gifts, along with their Christmas dinners at the local fire station.

Salvation Army

A family of seven and a family of four received gifts through the Salvation Army thanks to the Windermere Ballard office. This is the 18th year in a row that the office has adopted two families for the holidays.

YWCA

A family selected by the YWCA was adopted by the Windermere Property Management/Lori Gill & Associates office this year. Agents shopped and delivered to the families at the YWCA Family Village.

 

Windermere Annual Coat & Blanket Drive

From November through the month of December, Windermere offices throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington collected warm coats and blankets for homeless and low-income families to be distributed during the holidays by local social service organizations. Thank you to the 33 Windermere offices that made this possible!

 

Mercer Island Youth and Family Services

Through the MIYFS, the Windermere Mercer Island offices adopted three families, with a total of eight kids for the holidays. Each child received three presents and a $50 QFC card. Each family also received an additional $50 QFC card.

Everett Boys & Girls Club

For the agents at the Windermere Alderwood office, one of their favorite things to do this time of year is to volunteer at Christmas House. This year they got to be there on opening day to help shoppers select items and bring their bundles to their cars.

 

 

Eastside Baby Corner

Windermere Bellevue West office worked with Eastside Baby Corner, gathering donations for their “Socks of Love” drive, benefitting children from birth to 12 years of age. Thanks to the donations collected by the office, they were able to provide 550 pairs of socks and 78 pairs of shoes!

 

 

Coeur d’Alene Christmas Event

It’s been a holiday tradition for the past 22 years for agents and staff at the Windermere offices in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho to plan, shop, wrap, and prepare for their annual Christmas event for those in need in the Coeur d’Alene area. Recipients this year received a wide range of gifts: food, toys, furniture, new mattresses, clothing, and much more.

 

 

Arlington Food Bank

Windermere Arlington office sponsored three families for Christmas through the Arlington Food Bank, courtesy of Arlington High School's DECA program.

 

 

Bellevue Boys & Girls Club

Each year, the Windermere Bellevue Commons office adopts families in need for the holidays through the Bellevue Boys & Girls Club. This year they shopped and wrapped gifts for 13 families.

 

Kingston Community

Windermere Kingston office adopted 11 families in the local community for the holidays. Agents shopped for and wrapped gifts for to distribute to the families, which included 33 children.

 

Thank you for supporting the Windermere Foundation! Have a wonderful holiday!