From the twinkling lights and seasonal music to the beaming smiles of children hopping down from their visit with Santa, what’s your favorite part of the holiday?
Maybe the opportunity to give back to those organizations that do so much not only at the holidays, but year round?
Enjoy all this – and a whole lot more – at Crossroads Bellevue, which kicked off the holiday season last week with Give Back Friday, collecting everything from non-perishable food items for Hopelink and dog food for Seattle Humane to gifts for local children in need through Lifespring, the Salvation Army and the City of Bellevue.
“We want to be supportive of the causes that are important to our customers, and these are all groups we worked with over the years,” says Crossroads Bellevue’s Sue Popma.
“We are part of such a wonderful, culturally diverse community, so at this time of year we’re really focusing on the values we all share.”
Here’s what you’ll find!
Giving back: The season of giving kicked off at Crossroads Bellevue when the center turned the traditional “Black Friday” into Give Back Friday, but the opportunities to give back continue through the holidays, Popma notes.
Entertaining ideas: Against a backdrop of twinkling lights and holiday decorations, center guests will enjoy a full line-up of holiday performances from local school and community groups, entertaining guests from the Crossroads Market Stage. There’s no better way to get in the mood for the holidays!
Photos with Santa – Bring your best smiles beginning Dec. 1, when the center hosts John Galt Productions for the annual photos with Santa. Santa will be on-site Mondays to Saturdays, Dec. 1 and 2, 8 to 12 and 15 to 24, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and until 6 p.m. Sundays.
And don’t forget your four-legged friends: Pet Photos with Santa are at the Center Thursday, Dec. 6 from 4 to 8 p.m., with proceeds to the Humane Society!
Hands-on Hanukkah – Join the Crossroads community and the Stroum Jewish Community Centre from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2 for this free, hands-on Hanukkah experience. Make your own menorah, frost delicious Hanukkah cookies, build creative dreidel and menorah sun-catchers, and more!
Gift Wrap Station – Check the wrapping off your list by stopping by the gift wrap station in the South Concourse, next to Paula’s Hallmark. Provided by volunteers from the North Bellevue Community Center Dec. 15 to 24, with all proceeds going directly to their programs.
Learn more and stay up to date with all the holiday happenings at crossroadsbellevue.com and follow them on Facebook!
A full line-up of holiday performances will entertain from the Crossroads Market Stage.
Volunteers from the North Bellevue Community Center offer grift wrapping Dec. 15 to 24, with proceeds going to their programs
Volunteers from the North Bellevue Community Center offer grift wrapping Dec. 15 to 24, with proceeds going to their programs
