2020 Holiday Food And Toy Drives In Washington: How To Help Out

WASHINGTON — With just under three weeks to go until Christmas, food and toy drives in Western Washington are entering the final stretch to ensure everyone has food on the table and something special under the tree.

Due to the pandemic, even more families are in need this holiday season. Feeding America projected food insecurity rates rose notably in 2020, up to 16.5 percent in Pierce County, 13.7 percent in Snohomish County and 13.4 percent in King County.

For those looking for a few ways to help out the less fortunate this year, here are some options in Washington:

King County

• Eastside Firefighters Holiday Food & Toy Drive
• Toys for Tots
• South King Fire & Rescue/Federal Way Cares for Kids
• United Way of King County's Winter Coat Drive
• King County Regional Donations Connector
• Find a list of food banks

Pierce County

• Gig Harbor Firefighters/FISH Food Bank
• Sumner Food Bowl
• Toys for Tots
• Winterfest
• Murphy's Magical Toy Drive
• Find a list of local food banks

Regionwide:

• Western Washington Children's Supply Drive
• NW Carpenters Union Holiday Toy Drive
• Northwest Harvest
• Food Lifeline

Those seeking assistance can also consult the new Seattle-Area Emergency Food Resources Map, which collects all food banks, meal programs and student to-go meal locations around King County.

Have a food or toy drive Patch should know about? Comment on this story or e-mail us.

Patch has partnered with Feeding America to help raise awareness on behalf of the millions of Americans facing hunger. Feeding America, which supports 200 food banks across the country, estimates that in 2020, more than 50 million Americans will not have enough nutritious food to eat due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. This is a Patch social good project; Feeding America receives 100 percent of donations. Find out how you can donate in your community or find a food pantry near you.