My name is Heidi Grimsley. I am a longtime islander, a realtor and most importantly, a mama.

One of my favorite holiday traditions is the John L. Scott Toy Drive. I love helping out with this event because the Vashon community means so much to me and it breaks my heart to think of any child going without, especially during the holiday season.

If you have lived on Vashon in the last 30 years, you may have noticed the large donation boxes spread around the community between Thanksgiving and Christmas. This year, you will find them at Ace Hardware, Island Lumber and Home Center, Thriftway, Vashon Pharmacy, The Country Store, the Fire Department, the Vashon Eagles, Our Community Credit Union and the John L. Scott office. The boxes went out Nov. 22 and will be picked up on Dec. 20. Please consider donating new, unwrapped gift items for children from newborn to age 18.

I have also set up a GoFundMe donation page online at gofundme.com/f/vashon-island-toy-drive to make donating easier on those who aren’t big shoppers. Additionally, we will be ringing bells at a few locations in the next month. Look for the elves and reindeer at Thriftway, IGA and the Vashon Pharmacy.

We made sure 160 Vashon children received gifts last year. Every penny donated goes right back to the community so every donation makes a difference. Thank you and happy holidays!

— Heidi Grimsley