6:00-6:30am Rotarians and volunteers arrive at Mezza Café

6:15am Children at the front of schools to board busses

6:30am Busses leave for Sears

6:45-7:00am Kids arrive at Sears
Kids check in and match up with volunteer

7:00-9:45 Get coat, socks and shoes sized
Eat breakfast
Go shopping
See Santa
Have lunch, sing songs, play games

9:45am Must be finished shopping

10:20am Line up to leave, hand out goodie bags on way out

10:30am Busses leave Sears

10:45-11:00am Busses arrive at schools
 
 
 
Christmas Shopping Spree
Sign-Up Sheet Make a Donation Volunteer Shopping Instructions
In 1972, the Rotary Club of West Seattle started what is now the annual tradition of holding a Holiday Shopping Spree for elementary children.
Our desire to help specific children from our West Seattle community who are in need translates our financial gifts into warm clothes and shoes for the kids. This has turned into our most significant community service project – and one we’re very excited to host. This year, our shopping spree is scheduled for Saturday, December 6th.

We have always wanted to get as many children to participate as possible, and realize that the need increases every year. Each year, our Board of Directors determines the amount of funds available for this project. We then translate that amount into the number of children who will be able to participate. This year, we will be able to help a total of 90 students. The schools we are working with this year include: Arbor Heights, Cooper, Highland Park, High Point, Sanislo, and Schmitz Park. We make a point to target new elementary schools each year with the hopes of addressing this financial need in all of our West Seattle elementary schools.
As far as the logistics go for the 'day of the event': children are picked up at their schools early in the morning and bussed to the Sears building on 1st Avenue South in Seattle. They enjoy breakfast before heading off to shop for their new wares. Once shopping is done, they indulge in pizza, Christmas carols and pictures with Santa. Finally, they are given their “goodie” bags filled with toiletries, art supplies, and treats before they return to their schools by bus.

For further information and/or questions about this event, please contact Suzanne Goff, Community Service Chair, with the Rotary Club of West Seattle at sgoff@firstsoundbank.com