The Mercer Island Youth and Family Service Department is in need of sponsors for the annual holiday assistance program, which provides gift cards to Island children and families in need.

Sponsors are matched confidentially with an Island family and asked to provide one gift card per child.

“The need for family support on the Island remains high as many families continue to struggle with the fallout from the economic downturn,” says YFS Family Assistance Coordinator, Cheryl Manriquez.

Anyone interested in becoming a holiday sponsor should contact Manriquez at 275-7869 or via email at cheryl.mariquez@mercergov.or. Donations will be accepted until Nov. 27.