Bellevue employees will rekindle their Season of Sharing tradition this year at noon on Tuesday, Dec. 1. The 24th annual celebration is an effort to foster the giving spirit and make wishes a reality for people in need.

Members of the public, along with city staff, are encouraged to attend and invited to share finger-food and desserts provided by employees. The Season of Sharing kickoff and giving tree lighting ceremony takes place from noon to 1 p.m. on the first-floor concourse of City Hall, 450 110th Ave. N.E. Children from Crossroads Preschool will provide musical entertainment.

Each year, city employees work with local nonprofit organizations to brighten the holiday season for children and adults who have wishes, but may lack the means to fulfill them. Some of this year’s nonprofits include Eastside Domestic Violence Program, Friends of Youth, the Children’s Response Center and the YWCA Women’s Shelter.

Residents are invited to join staff in taking gift wish tags or money envelopes from the giving tree in the City Hall concourse, then leaving the requested gifts (with tags attached) in drop boxes on the first floor. Money donations should be left at the Service First desk, also located on the first floor of City Hall.

Tags are also available on a giving tree at the Crossroads Bellevue shopping center, located at Northeast Eighth Street and 156th Avenue Northeast. Season of Sharing donations are tax-deductible and will be accepted through Friday, Dec. 18.