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 Washington
Background
Cheerful Givers expanded to the state of Washington in late 2005. Since then, with the help of over 50 compassionate volunteers, 1200 deserving children in the Seattle area have received a toy-filled birthday gift bag on their birthday!
Coordinator
Briana Keller first heard about Cheerful Givers through a People magazine story about the organization’s founder. When she learned that Cheerful Givers only operated in Minnesota, she asked for permission to bring Cheerful Givers to the West coast. Today, she serves as the Puget Sound Coordinator for Cheerful Givers’ first expansion pilot project. “I believe children deserve to be recognized. Cheerful Givers provides an easy, fun, tangible way to make a huge difference,” she says. Briana can be reached by email or by phone at 206-618-5215.
Teams
- University of Washington Career Center, Established November 2005
- University of Washington Counseling Center, Established February 2006
- Friends of the Keller’s, Established April 2006
- University of Washington Husky Bags, Established April 2008
If you want to join or start a Cheerful Givers team in the Seattle area, email Briana Keller.
 Events
Community Blitz (10/18/08).
The next community event in Washington is tentatively scheduled for October 18, 2008. We’ll need volunteers of all ages to help put toys in bags, tie and curl ribbon, and put birthday stickers on finished bags. More details coming soon. If you’d like to participate, email Briana Keller.
Community Blitz (5/17/08)
Nearly 30 volunteers ranging in age from 11 to 65 helped assemble 300 birthday bags at the Redmond Regional Library on May 17th. The bags were donated to Hopelink in Bellevue, where they will be distributed to families in need. Thanks to AMC Sales, Marianne Richmond Studios, Stampin-with-Denise, Everything Party, and Larry’s Market for providing discounts or donations to help make the event possible. View photos.
Community Blitz (01/12/08)
Briana Keller, the Puget Sound Coordinator for Cheerful Givers, celebrated her 30th birthday in January by hosting a community birthday bag blitz. She spent three months collecting money and toy donations from friends, family members, co-workers, and even total strangers! She received $2366 in cash from 43 donors and a variety of toys from 9 additional caring people. On January 12th, 50 volunteers of all ages met at a local library to assemble 500 birthday bags. Briana was amazed at how many people showed up, how eager they were to help, and how fast they worked! The bags were delivered to an agency called Hopelink, which will distribute the bags through food banks and transitional housing programs.
Outreach
Press
Recipient Organizations
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Toy Industry Association, Inc.
