Food, toy collection begins in July

The Bellevue Firefighters Community Support Foundation and the Parks & Community Services Department are hosting “Joy in July,” a toy and food drive throughout the month. Donations will be collected at all Bellevue fire station locations and City Hall.

July 3, 2014 1:35 pm
A food and toy collection begins this month to help needy families in December.
A food and toy collection begins this month to help needy families in December.

 

The Bellevue Firefighters Community Support Foundation and the Parks & Community Services Department are hosting “Joy in July,” a toy and food drive throughout the month. Donations will be collected at all Bellevue fire station locations and City Hall.

Though the holidays are half a year away, the drive aims to gather toys to distribute to children in need this December. With more than 6,000 toys distributed in 2014, the shelves need restocking in order to provide toys for children later this year.

Food donations also are being collected to help feed children and families this summer. One in five students qualifies for free or reduced meals in the Bellevue School District. With schools out for the summer, it can be difficult for many families to provide food for the family.

Requested donations include new, unwrapped toys for infants, youth and teens, including books, games, sports equipment, arts and crafts kits, cars/trucks, dolls and plush animals. Ideas for infants include age appropriate plush animals, toys and gift cards for parents to purchase needed items. Ideas for teens include gift certificates to clothing, restaurants, malls and music stores.

The greatest needs for nonperishable food include: canned meals, canned meat, cereal, dry beans, fruit (canned or fresh), pasta, peanut butter, rice, soup, tomato products and vegetables (canned or fresh).

Monetary donations will also be gratefully accepted to help purchase toys or food items.

Donations sites include:

  • City Hall—450-110th Ave. N.E. (downtown)
  • Fire Station One – 766 Bellevue Way S.E. (Downtown/West Bellevue)
  • Fire Station Two- 2802 148th Ave. S.E. (Eastgate/Lake Hills/W. Lake Sammamish)
  • Fire Station Three -16100 N.E. Eighth St. (Crossroads/Northeast Bellevue)
  • Fire Station Four – 4216 Factoria Blvd. S.E. (Factoria/Somerset)
  • Fire Station Five – 9621 N.E. 24th St. (Northwest Bellevue)
  • Fire Station Six – 1850 132nd Ave. N.E. (Bridle Trails/Wilburton)
  • Fire Station Seven – 11900 S.E. Eighth St. (Wilburton/Woodridge)
  • Fire Station Eight – 5701 Lakemont Blvd. S.E. (Eastgate/Cougar Mountain)
  • Fire Station Nine – 12412 S.E. 69th Way (Newport)