The Black Diamond Community Center had visits from angels throughout December, and many businesses and organizations earned their wings and more.
The Black Diamond Antique Store presented our center with two large water bottles full of change. The value was more than $2,000. Owner Brenda Evenson and her staff had been asking customers to put their change into the jars since last December. A new food warmer for our kitchen will be bought with that money and dedicated to all customers of the Antique Store. Brenda, who came up with the idea, continues to support us.
The Lake Sawyer Christian Church continues to support our center. Youth coordinator Jen Clintworth, with the American Heritage Girls Troup 4673 and ACTS North Co-op, presented us with hundreds of hats, gloves and socks for our Share the Joy program. Tori Ammons, who owns the Black Bear Outpost and Auburn Mountain View High School’s Honor Society, gave us stuffed stockings for our Share the Joy toy giveaway. Retailer Zumiez gave us 250 coats, hats, socks and gloves. Come in anytime to get your free coat if you need one. Andrew Haney, Rotary member and owner of Elephant Car Wash in Maple Valley, supplied one extra bike for a special boy on Santa’s list. The Maple Valley & Black Diamond Rotary provided over 135 seniors with a free prime rib dinner on December 19. Derek Turek from Black Diamond Elementary and his “Kindness Club” made placemats for our senior lunches, a special hometown touch for our seniors. The Pythians adopted two families and supplied food, toys and other wonderful holiday items.
What holiday season would be complete without Mrs. Claus? Melissa Kelley, wife of Bryan Kelley who owns Valley Automotive and is the president of the Automobile Service Association of King and Snohomish Counties and the Maple Valley Black Diamond Chamber of Commerce, shopped for families from our area. The ASA provided funds for bicycles, toys, books, everything on the “Share the Joy” application lists. Kevin and Mona Marks, owners of Interstate Batteries Distribution Centers, also provided funds for this program. Through our partnership with these giving groups, Greg’s Japanese Auto business jumped in and provided food, toys, gift cards for two more families in need. Twenty $20 gift cards were also given to the center to use for gas vouchers and dairy products for parents with children, in partnership with Cenex in Black Diamond. Thousands of dollars were donated from these groups.
Local resident Craig Goodwin, along with friends and supporters of his wonderful photography, donated over $1,500 to the center when buying his calendars and pictures.
So look up when you are around our center, angels are flying high over us. Way to go angels, we couldn’t do what we do without our angels.
Thank you for your support.
Cheryl Hanson
Executive Director
Black Diamond Community Center
