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Christmas Project seeks donations

For the past 15 years, the Lake City Christmas Project, which provides toys, gifts and food to needy Lake City families, has been run by Lake City Neighborhood Service Center Coordinator Yolanda Martinez. This year, the program merged with similar programs at North Seattle and Meadowbrook Family Centers to increase efficiency. Last year, over 500 children and their families were served and this year the three groups hope to increase that number to 600. The Christmas Project accepts donations from local businesses, civic organizations, and individuals. Donations of cash, checks, food gift certificates and toys can be taken to the Meadowbrook Family Center at 10517 35th Ave NE, or the Lake City Neighborhood Service Center at 12707 30th Ave NE. Families can also sign up for assistance at the Meadowbrook Family Center.

For further information, call Yolanda Martinez at 684-7526 or Sarah Wohlmuth at 366-9256.

Goodwill closes U-Village drop center

Seattle Goodwill will close its University Village donation center on Jan. 1, their busiest donation site in the city.

Goodwill is closing the donation center because University Village plans to build on the site where their collection container is located and there is no other room in the shopping area. Darcy McInnis, communications coordinator for Goodwill, said that group didn't know what kind of building would be taking the container's place.

Goodwill is currently searching for another donation drop site in northeast Seattle. In the meantime, Goodwill donors can take their contributions to the Seattle Goodwill store located at 1400 S Lane St., or to the Shoreline Park and Ride lot at N. 192nd Street and Aurora Avenue N. For more information, call 1-877-GIVE4GOOD. b