What happens when three of Bellevue's most impactful nonprofits join forces for the holidays? The true magic of the season happens!

In November and December, local nonprofits Bellevue LifeSpring, Bellevue Boys and Girls Clubs, and Rainier Athletes are teaming up to ensure Bellevue children have a bright, happy, and healthy holiday season. And they need your help!

The holidays are a much anticipated time of joy, giving, and festivities with loved ones. However, for families struggling to make ends meet, all the celebrations and expectations can be challenging to navigate and bring a feeling of stress and uncertainty. Today, more than 4,300 children in Bellevue face food and housing insecurity. More than 700 children are experiencing homelessness. Every school in the Bellevue School District has students registered on the Free and Reduced-Price Meal Plan including Clyde Hill Elementary School, Chinook Middle School, and Bellevue High School.

Bellevue LifeSpring, Bellevue Boys and Girls Clubs, and Rainier Athletes are hosting the Tis' the Season Holiday Giving Program to help ensure financial hardships do not hinder a child’s happiness and health over the holiday season. By becoming a holiday donor you can help ensure all children in our community, regardless of their family's circumstances, have the opportunity to enjoy the magic of the holiday season and feel supported by their community.

Donors select the number of tangible toys and gift cards they'd like to purchase from the Tis’ the Season Online Wishlist and commit to dropping off their selected gift items in mid-December on one of the program’s multiple donor delivery dates. All the toys and gift cards collected will be used to create a magical Pop-Up Toy Room. Families connected to all three organizations will have the opportunity to visit the festive gift room to shop and select the items best suited to their children’s needs and wishes, providing choice and dignity. From a huge variety of toys to gift cards that promote personal choice, every donation counts and goes directly toward providing a truly special holiday experience for Bellevue children.

This collaborative program is especially significant due to the unique partnership between the three organizations, which all have long histories of serving Bellevue families in different, but complementary ways. Bellevue LifeSpring is a leader in providing financial and basic needs assistance to children and families, supporting stability, and preventing hunger and homelessness. Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue develops great futures for kids and teens by offering enriching experiences in a safe place where everyone belongs. Rainier Athletes connects local students with long-term, one-on-one mentorship and opportunities to pursue their passions, building an enduring sense of belonging.  

Hosting a holiday program together is more than just a shared goal—it’s about combining each organization’s expertise and resources to create a holistic program that meets children’s needs on multiple levels. Together they can expand their reach, meaning more children than ever before will be supported this holiday season. However, this work cannot be done without the support of the West Bellevue community. The generosity of local neighbors and businesses has the power to make this collaboration even more impactful.

To get started on your holiday giving, visit www.BGCBellevue.org/TisTheSeason.