Homeschoolers Hearts + Hospitalized Kids = Holiday Heart" Toy Drive

Today, the states fast-growing home education advocacy organization, Washington Natural Learning Association (WNLA) kicked off the first of its annual "Holiday Heart" toy drive. The toy drive benefits young patients at local area hospitals including Harborview Medical Center.

November 24, 2002 - Camano Island, WA . . .Today, the states fast-growing home education advocacy organization, Washington Natural Learning Association (WNLA) kicked off the first of its annual "Holiday Heart" toy drive. The toy drive benefits young patients at local area hospitals including Harborview Medical Center.
   Holiday Heart" is brainchild of Bec Thomas, WNLAs Executive Director. "While most families are preparing for the holidays, some sit by their children's hospital beds worried and in need of hope," said Thomas. "These families deserve support from their community. Parents and kids alike need to know they have friends in the community who care very much about them." Thomas added that WNLA members aim to ensure these families a brighter, happier holiday.
   According to WNLAs Director of Charitable Activities, Melanie Boten, people are invited to donate new, unwrapped toys, books, childrens video tapes, games - items children of various ages can use while bedridden or confined to pediatric centers. WNLA will accept donated toys until December 16th and will deliver the toys to area hospitals December 23rd.
   Donations can be dropped off at the Stanwood-Camano Community Resource Center. The center is located at 9620 271st Street NW, Stanwood. Or donations can be mailed to the S-C Community Resource Center at PO Box 935 Stanwood, WA 98292.
Its important to our members that our home-education association reaches out to those in need in our community," says WNLA Director, Laurie Wheeler. WNLAs member-families plan to make this and other kinds of humanitarian outreach frequent events throughout the year. It is especially important to us that our children learn the value of community and being responsible, well informed citizens."
Joining the Washington Natural Association on Holiday Heart" are the Stanwood-Camano Community Resource Center, Busy Bee Christian Homeschoolers, the Learning by Living and Maple Valley Homeschool support groups.
   More information on Holiday Heart, on home-education and on Washington Natural Learners Association can be found on the organizations website: http://wnla.tripod.com or by emailing WNLA executive director, Bec Thomas at bthomas@kendra.com.