From Mike Murphy, Lynnwood Today editor

Some of my best and most vivid memories from childhood were at Christmastime.

I would have a hard time falling asleep the night before, excited with anticipation about what was waiting for me under the tree. My sisters and I would usually wake up early, go downstairs and shake the boxes – sometimes several hours before my parents got up.

Through no fault of their own, hundreds of children in our community don’t get to experience that same kind of joy. There are any number of factors, but the reason really doesn’t matter when you’re a kid and you just want what it seems like everybody else has.

We can’t make a difference for every family, but we can help one.

Lynnwood Today is teaming up with My Edmonds News to adopt a deserving but struggling family this holiday season.

To protect their anonymity, we can’t share too much personal information. We were put in touch with this nice family through Clothes For Kids, a Lynnwood-based non-profit that provides school wardrobes to needy children.

The 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 low-income housing. The children attend an elementary school in Lynnwood.

Nancy-Laird Burris, program manager at Clothes For Kids, told me, “the mom was overwhelmed with the generous offer of help. She said ‘this will take a great weight off me — the kids haven’t had much of a Christmas for the last few years.’”

Below are gift suggestions and clothing sizes. (They are suggestions only. Feel free to use your own judgment.) Gifts may be dropped off at Clothes For Kids (16725 52nd Ave. W.) Please designate “Lynnwood Today” or “My Edmonds News” somewhere on the package. Or they may be mailed to Mike Murphy c/o Lynnwood Today, PO Box 3505, Lynnwood, WA 98046.

Financial contributions may be sent via PayPal (to lynnwoodtoday@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
Update: 12/9/11 – Thanks to the generosity of Mattress Depot USA, the kids (who have been sleeping on foam pads) will each receive a twin bed. There’s still a great need for other household items, including sheets, clothing and maybe a few toys. Please take a look at the list below.

Girl, 10-years-old

Monster High doll and accessories
CD player/radio, pink
CDs for a 10-year-old girl
Leggings, size 18, ankle length
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

Legos
Remote control car or helicopter
Nintendo DSi game system and games (age appropriate)
Action figures
Sweat pants – boys size 14, large
Shoes – size 4
Jeans  – size Husky 16
Shirts, boxers or socks – size 14

Family Items

Bedding/pillows for two twin beds and one queen bed
Blankets
TV with a DVD player (the family does not have a TV or cable)
Nintendo Wii and games
Towels
Laundry soap
Toiletries, shampoo, bath wash, bar soap, toothpaste and toothbrushes
Dish soap
Bath tissue
Set of dishes
Gift cards to local grocery stores
Pre-made Christmas dinner (such as from Safeway or Albertsons)