Christmas can mean more than dressing up as Santa and his elves, with all of the makeup and costumes required for a festive guise. For the Bakke family, looking the jolly part serves a serious purpose each holiday season.
The Bakkes’ holiday includes the Forgotten Children’s Fund, a nonprofit organization that delivers gifts, food, and other necessities to Puget Sound families in need on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Participation in the program has been family tradition for over a decade.
It started with Jason Bakke’s father, who began volunteering as a Santa in the 1990’s. Jason and his brothers soon began dressing up as elves to accompany him on his deliveries. After Rick’s death, the Bakkes, their extended family, and their friends all continued to help out. Heather Bakke, Jason’s wife, leads the effort, screening letters from needy families hoping for holiday cheer.
Helping those less fortunate during the holidays is rewarding, but it isn’t always easy. Some families live in harsh conditions— some don’t have heat and rely on stove burners for warmth, while others cram too many people into small, chaotic living spaces.
“We try to have a talk with the kids before we do this, to make sure they realize you’re going to see some stuff that’s uncomfortable, and we want to be sensitive,” said Jason.
“It’s really good for them to see how other people live,” Heather said. “It’s good for them to understand and to give where there’s need.”
To donate to the Forgotten Children’s Fund or find out how to participate, check out their website, forgottenchildrensfund.org
Read more:
Give thanks and give back: Seattle area volunteering during the holidays
Ways you can volunteer all year round and during the holidays
