As the holiday season approaches, the John L. Scott crew invites you to join us in spreading holiday joy to our island neighbors who could use a helping hand.

Over a decade ago, John L. Scott stepped in when the Kiwanis disbanded. We continue their good work with the loving idea that no child should greet their important winter holiday without a gift.

Through the generous support of Camp Burton, which is providing a store location, we invite those in need to select new toys and gifts for their children at the Holiday Toy Store. The store will be open on Dec. 16.

The toys we collect, together with those our shoppers gather, will fill the Holiday Toy Store tables with holiday surprises for island kids in need. Parents and guardians can choose those gifts that they know will make the holidays very special for their loved ones.

We invite those who can to drop off new, unused gift items at the collection containers located in town at Ace Hardware, Vashon Thriftway, Vashon Pharmacy and the Country Store & Farm. Additionally, monetary donations can be made via check or through Venmo.

By making a donation to the Vashon Toy Drive, you are telling over 125 Vashon families that their community cares about them. 169 island children had a merrier holiday in 2023 because of your generous assistance.

And if this year, you need our support, we encourage you to let us know and we will do our best to help you provide a special Christmas for your family.

In a world where there is far too much discord, please join us in helping to provide a sense of stability, love, and joy to all our island neighbors. Your donations make a difference!

To donate, mail a check, made payable to “VYFS,” to John L. Scott at P.O. Box 2009, Vashon, WA 98070, or donate via Venmo to Heidi-Grimsley-1.

Heidi Grimsley and Leslie Ferriel are the owners of John L. Scott Real Estate on Vashon.