SEATTLE — Many of us use Amazon to get gifts during the holiday season. But this past weekend Christmas came early for hundreds of kids at their campus in downtown Seattle.
"We are at the Amazon's Winter Wonderland event. This is our second year and it's an opportunity for us to bring in our nonprofit partners and the families and children that they serve in order to celebrate the holidays and just have a really festive time," said Taylor Hoang, Amazon Lead Community Engagement for Seattle.
"We're expecting over 1,000 children today and their families, Hoang said. "As soon as they arrive, they get to shop at the toy store, participate in a number of holiday activities such as gingerbread making, face painting and a number of other activities. They get to enjoy refreshments and then also holiday entertainment that we will have for the kids, and say hi to a couple of Seahawks legends."
While the kids play, parents log on to find gifts for under the tree.
"The parents receive $50 per child that they can shop on our retail site, and the gifts and toys are sent to their homes so the kids will have a holiday present," said Hoang. "The whole event is staffed by Amazon volunteers. We have over 130 volunteers today. It is one of our most beloved events, and employees look forward to it every year to give their time back to the community."
For nonprofits like Byrd Barr Place, the event is a day their clients won't soon forget.
"I know that people today will take away a lot of joy, a lot of kindness. I heard from a lot of our clients today how amazing this has been for them to connect with their families, to connect with their children, and let their children have a choice," said Tremayne Edwards with Byrd Barr Place.
For Amazon, the Winter Wonderland is about more than spreading holiday cheer - it's also about being a good neighbor.
"We've been in the community for 30 years. Giving back where we can is part of the Amazon culture," Hoang said. "And so we know that there are a lot of families who don't have the opportunity to participate in holiday activities so this is our way of giving back."
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