Community Involvement: Behind the Scenes with the Forgotten Children’s Fund 2025

Every December, the Forgotten Children's Fund in Kent for a heartwarming gift-wrapping event. transforms an ordinary warehouse in Kent into a bustling holiday “North Pole.” Long tables fill the space, overflowing with toys, warm coats, books, and rows of stockings waiting to be packed with essentials. This year, our team had the chance to step behind the scenes and take part in this remarkable operation once again. An experience that continues to be one of the most meaningful moments of our holiday season.

Rather than working from a large general pool of gifts, each volunteer team was assigned a specific family. Using details provided, volunteers hand-selected three personalized presents for each child, along with a book, a coat, a board game, and a stocking filled with smaller gifts and winter essentials. Parents were included, too! Each one receives a thoughtful gift to remind them that the season of giving extends to them as well.

Once the gifts were chosen, the real magic began: wrapping.

Our teams gathered around the tables with armfuls of wrapping paper and ribbon, working together to prepare each bundle with intention. It wasn’t just about wrapping presents; it was about imagining what each child might feel opening their gift.

The energy in the warehouse was vibrant: volunteers comparing toy choices, calling out for extra tape, carefully matching wrapping paper to each child, and sharing in the collective excitement of building joy for families they had never met. Every tag represented a real household with real needs, and that made the work all the more meaningful.

The Forgotten Children’s Fund is a fully volunteer-run organization, and its impact continues to grow year after year. By the time the season ends, they will have delivered thousands of personalized gifts, warm coats, food boxes, and essentials to families across Western Washington, ensuring that children feel seen, supported, and celebrated during the holidays.

We are grateful for the chance to be part of this important mission. Each hour spent selecting, wrapping, and preparing gifts was a reminder of the power of community and the difference we can make when we show up with care.

If you’d like to get involved or learn more about the Forgotten Children’s Fund, visit forgottenchildrensfund.org/noteablecontributors.