Holiday Blessings 2021

For most of NAM’s history, up to 500 families were given gifts for their children, providing holiday joy for up to 1200 children.

The unprecedented economic impact of the pandemic impact changed that for NAM. 2020 showed us that thousands of children were in need of toys - and this has continued into 2021. With NAM seeing a continued increase in clients - even as life returns to normal for many of us - we once again answered the call to provide holiday joy to families this year. Within a few hours, nearly 1,500 families in need registered with NAM to receive holiday blessings.

Starting December 16th - 18th, registered families arrived at NAM to receive holiday toys reserved for their children. Monday, December 20th, concluded the holiday distribution. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, dozens more families who were not able to register also received presents for their children. Because so many came forward to answer our calls for donations of toys, we once again provided toys for a record-breaking number of children.

Many waited in their cars for hours, the line for toys stretching down FM 1960. For these families in need, the wait was worth it.

“Bless everyone who was involved in this, and thank you so much for the gifts,” said one client, who was picking up toys for her 4 children. “This time last year I was homeless, so it's been a really long journey. I truly appreciate what you do here.”

Each year, NAM relies on both the generosity of our donors and the helping hands of hundreds of volunteers. Without either of these, the toy distribution would not be possible. Because of gifts of both time and toys, NAM distributed toys to over 5,000 children in 4 days.

In this week of Christmas, we are incredibly grateful that we were able to provide holiday food and gifts once again in 2021. Thank you all for ensuring that Northwest Assistance Ministries continues in our tradition of providing holiday blessings for our neighbors in need.