While talking with Bellevue Together leadership regarding the annual Hands of Hope Christmas event, two words that come to mind are respect and dignity. Story after story was shared regarding making sure siblings received a “roughly equal” amount of gifts and that donated items are, in most cases, new, not used. Exceptions to this include bicycles in like-new condition that just need a tune-up and a special story of an Angel Tree gift that was shared with us.
“We had a young boy who asked for ‘Fishing Items’ for Christmas,” shared Bellevue Together Board President Suzanne Quinn. “When the items came in a volunteer noticed that many of the included items were used. We don’t give used items for Christmas. However, we discovered a letter included with the fishing items that said – ‘This is not your Christmas present. Look in the other bag and you will find a new rod and reel. BUT… from an old fisherman to a very new, young fisherman, I wanted to give you some tried and true lures and other equipment that has served me well over the years.‘ – all of us had goosebumps and tears in our eyes.”
That was one of many stories shared by the Bellevue Together team that exemplifies the thought, care, and respect that is put into each donation handled by over 200 volunteers who help with this annual event.
For weeks, many volunteers work long into the night each evening to make sure everything is ready to go… sorting items, packing and unpacking food and gift items, and making sure everything is executed as smoothly as possible when the vehicles roll up at preset times to receive their donations of food, clothes, and gifts.
Gifts are distributed through a 3 day drive-thru event , which was held December 14-16 this year. Bellevue Together works with families to schedule a specific time during the three day window.
Bellevue Together works with Bellevue Public Schools and BPS social workers and counselors to identify students and families in need. Katie Alford is the district point of contact for Bellevue Together and she helps with the extensive coordination required to pull off a large-scale event such as this.
Bellevue Together launched in the Spring of 2017 and this marks the 6th year of their Hands of Hope Christmas Project. Bellevue Together Board Members include Suzanne Quinn (President), Denise Seaman, Terry Ausenbaugh, Annie Burns and Diana Bussian.
Interested individuals can donate any time of year, as Bellevue Together holds several different giving events annually. Donations are accepted through the website at https://bellevuetogether.com/ or contact Board President Suzanne Quinn at (402) 639-5079. If you would like to volunteer your time to help, there is also a contact form available on the website.
