YFS to give holiday trees to low income families on Mercer Island

Trees will be provided to 20 families who would not otherwise be able to afford one this year.

December 13, 2017 1:00 pm
Liana Montague, Tom Montague, Noelle Davenport, Jon Conradt and Ken Urman volunteer at the Mercer Island tree lot, organized this year by Mercer Island Youth and Family Services (MIYFS) and the Lions Club. Conradt and Urman are MIYFS Foundation Board members, and Liana Montague is the MIYFS Mental Health Counselor at Island Park Elementary. Photo courtesy of MIYFS
Liana Montague, Tom Montague, Noelle Davenport, Jon Conradt and Ken Urman volunteer at the Mercer Island tree lot, organized this year by Mercer Island Youth and Family Services (MIYFS) and the Lions Club. Conradt and Urman are MIYFS Foundation Board members, and Liana Montague is the MIYFS Mental Health Counselor at Island Park Elementary. Photo courtesy of MIYFS

For the 20th year, Mercer Island Youth and Family Services (MIYFS) is providing fresh trees to families who celebrate Christmas, helping to spread some festive cheer.

The holiday season can be a stressful time of year for everyone, but for families already in financial crisis, it can be the last straw. MIYFS runs a Family Assistance Program for Islanders, which includes case management and short term emergency assistance to help cover basic needs such as food, rent, childcare and utilities. MIYFS also recognizes emotional health is critical to getting back on the path to self-sufficiency.

This year, trees will be provided to 20 families who would not otherwise be able to afford a tree this year.

“Christmas is an important tradition for many families on Mercer Island and though it is comparatively small gesture, the impact on a family’s emotional health can be great,” said MIYFS Director Cindy Goodwin.

The MIYFS Foundation, in partnership with the Lions Club, is managing the local Mercer Island tree lot this holiday season. All proceeds support Mercer Island Youth and Family Services and Mercer Island Lions Club charitable giving.

The lot is open from Nov. 25 to Dec. 22 from 2-8 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. It is located in the Farmers Insurance lower parking lot, 3003 77th Ave. SE. Payment can be made by cash, check or credit card.

See www.miyfs.org for more.