For the past 11 years the Everett Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors, our dedicated group of volunteers, have been working with the Volunteers of America (VOA) to help about 200 needy children have a happy holiday through ECEAP (Early Childhood Education Assistance Program).

With the help of donations, the Ambassadors use the ECEAP Holiday Program funds to purchase gifts for the children.

Ways to Get Involved:

• Set up a company collection of money or auction items. Do you know it only takes $30 to give ONE child a gift? Get your whole company involved in donating, or just make a donation yourself!

If you would like to donate money, please mail your check to the Everett Area Chamber of Commerce Holiday Program, 2000 Hewitt Ave, Suite 205, Everett, WA 98201 before December 2, 2008. Please make your checks payable to the Everett Area Chamber of Commerce and write "ECEAP" or "Holiday Program" in the memo line.

For more information, contact the Chamber at 425-257-3222 x 0 or by email at info@everettchamber.com

Toy drop off locations:

• Horizon Bank - 9929 Evergreen Way, Everett
• NW Plus Credit Union -  Everett Branch at 2821 Hewitt Avenue,  Everett
• Everett Area Chamber of Commerce - 2000 Hewitt Avenue, Ste. 205, Everett
• KRKO Radio - 2707 Colby Ave Suite 1380, Everett
• American Red Cross - 2530 Lombard Ave, Everett

History:

The ECEAP Holiday Program began in 1997 when Dick Stevens, a past Chamber Ambassador, pioneered the project as a tangible way for business leaders to give back to the community.

Last year was a record year with 233 needy children and this year looks to be the same. For many children the gifts from the Ambassador’s ECEAP Holiday Program are the only presents they will see.