Give Back This Year: Bellevue Firefighters Foundation Hosts Online Holiday Gift Drive

November 11, 2021 - by Sandy Vo

Give Back This Year:
Bellevue Firefighters Foundation Hosts Online Holiday Gift Drive

Since 1999, the Bellevue Firefighters Community Support Foundation (BFCSF) has sought out many different opportunities to assist the growing community. Each year they lead and support programs that offer much-needed assistance to children and families. This year, their annual holiday food and toy drive will look a little different.

Due to COVID-19, they will be collecting online donations and converting funds into $25 gift cards that will be given to Bellevue families in need. Approximately 3,000 families have already been selected by the Bellevue School District.

Donations are being accepted now through November 30 on the BFCFS website.

“Even though we won’t be gathering toys this year, the need has not gone away," said Charlie Kimball, president of the board. "Thousands of families on the Eastside are struggling this holiday season."

The BFCFS has many effective programs to help the community, including the Ready for School initiative where 46 kids in Bellevue were provided with backpacks and school supplies in partnership with Youth Eastside Services. Earlier this year, their Feed the Fight initiative raised money and provided meals to over 2,000 people on the Eastside struggling during the pandemic. They partnered with local restaurants to ensure they were getting business during an unprecedented time. More programs run by BFCSF can be found online.

Kimball expressed excitement for future projects, including a firefighter camp for young women and a community service scholarship program.

With the sponsorship of Bellevue Parks and Community Services as well as other partners, the BFCSF continues to provide an incredible holiday experience to families in Bellevue.

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