Playtime: A ‘soft spot’ for those who help kids in need

CFKWhen it comes to helping others, everyone seems to have their “soft spots.” For some people, it’s a love of animals; some, like the Truax family, are inspired by their own life events. In my case, my soft spot was learned. When I was a kid, my mom was concerned about other kids having the requisite food, rides, etc.. At times, I would have extra food in my field trip lunch box in case someone was without or I would hear of her picking up a kid to take to school who was seen walking from too far away. So now, when we are able to help others, it’s kids in need that are top of mind. Organizations like Washington Kids In Transition, Nourishing Network, Holly House, and Clothes For Kids are doing the amazing work to make sure local kids have enough.

CFKIf you have kids in the Edmonds School District you have likely heard of Clothes For Kids, an organization that offers clothes to children in need in Snohomish County and the Northshore School District. You’ve likely received a flier for a clothing drive in the Edmonds School District or heard of their annual coin drive “Coins For Kids,” which raised $22,853.36 in the 2014-2015 school year. If you are interested in helping out Clothes For Kids or if you, or someone you know, could use their help, I have the info for you!

dessert auctionComing up in May, Clothes for Kids is having a “Celebrate The Children” Dessert & Wine Auction. This “very popular” event offers a silent auction before sitting down to your “sweet treat” and the live auction. This event, to be held May 7 at Holy Rosary Parish Center in Edmonds, has very reasonably priced tickets ($25/each) for an incredible local cause. There are two ways to get tickets; you can find them online HERE or — to reserve your spot, which they recommend due to popularity — you can call them at 425-741-6500.

The My Neighborhood News Network — My Edmonds News, MLTnews and Lynnwood Today — is a sponsor of this event.

The process of getting help from Clothes For Kids is very streamlined. Those who qualify for free/reduced lunch can go to their school’s office and request the “Requisition for Clothing” form. This form, which families must bring with them, has all the information, including shopping hours (Monday/Wednesday/Friday 9 a.m.-noon, or Tuesday/Thursday 5:30-7:30 p.m.,) location, even directions and a map.

Besides the auction, which is a mix of helping out and having fun, there are lots of ways to donate to Clothes for Kids. You can make a monetary donation (if you’re gonna do that, definitely think about grabbing dessert and a drink at Holy Rosary), you can also donate to their clothing and coin drives, as well as drop off new and gently used clothing for children and teens at their Lynnwood location.

They are located near Meadowdale High School, at 16725 52nd Ave. W., in Lynnwood. If you can’t make it during their drop off hours, there is a green donation bin in their parking lot. For any other questions or information, you can call their office at 425-741-6500.

Jen Marx
Jen Marx

— By Jennifer Marx

Jen Marx, a mom of two young boys, is always looking for a fun place to take the kids that makes them tired enough to go to bed on time. You can find her trying to make sense of begging kids to ” just eat the mac n cheese” at jen_marx . If you have a kid-friendly event you’d like to share, email her at play@myedmondsnews.com.

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