“By giving a gift of service, you’re really giving a gift to your family,” said Rob Fraser. “What better way to make memories with your family this year than through helping people in need.”

Fraser is the new Pastor of Children and Families at Pine Lake Covenant Church in Sammamish.

He joined the church in October, having most recently served at Templeton Community Church in Templeton, Calif.

The church is serving as the catalyst to reach hundreds of people in need in Issaquah and throughout the Seattle area.

Hundreds of volunteers will be mobilized to participate in several events scheduled in December through their “Christmas Presence” program, designed to make Christmas memorable for families and people of all ages.

Volunteers of all ages can participate in providing meals at Union Gospel Mission, Tent City 4, on the streets of downtown Seattle, and to homeless and low-income families in Issaquah.

“Christmas Presence is a volunteer movement of compassion started in 2006,” said Fraser. “Volunteers will be introduced to people in our community often hidden but experiencing tremendous need.”

Last year, Christmas Presence reached out to 1,100 people in the Seattle area serving low-income families, homeless individuals, elderly people, and incarcerated youth. More than 350 volunteers gave 1,800 hours of service in the month of December alone.

“As a church we’re called to address the needs of families in our community both in crisis and prosperity,” Fraser said. “Today families are reeling from the economic changes, often with no safety net. I am committed to helping our children become more aware of the needs of others and empowering them to help.”

For more information, and to sign up, visit visit www.plcc.org.