Seattle Public Utilities’ (SPU) Drainage and Wastewater (DWW) and Logistics Branch recently brought the joy of the season to the Filipino Community of Seattle (FCS).
Tara Wong-Esteban, DWW’s System Management Division Director, along with colleagues Jonathan Batara and Adam Bernstein, delivered toys donated by employees to FCS on December 7.
The holidays can be a difficult time for many Seattle families, and the FCS staff and volunteers, like Culture & Arts Program Manager Bennyroyce Royon, remember last year’s challenges all too well.
“Bennyroyce teared up with gratitude when he received the toys,” said Wong-Esteban. “He said last year they didn’t have enough toys for all the children in need and didn’t have enough funds to purchase toys. He was worried that would happen again this year, as the call volume for assistance has increased.”
Thanks to the generosity and support of DWW and Logistics Division employees, FCS distributed the toys at their community Christmas party on Saturday, December 16, to children who may have otherwise gone without this holiday season.
SPU employees support communities through public service, community-centered projects and programs, and organizing additional acts of service throughout the year. SPU and its employees extend assistance when resources are stretched thin through volunteering, community grants, partnerships and so much more.
“I accepted many hugs of thanks from people including Agnes Navarro, Executive Director of FCS,” wrote Wong-Esteban in a heartfelt email. “Thank you for helping to make a child smile.”
Founded in 1935, the Filipino Community of Seattle is a nonprofit organization that assists more than 7,500 members every month with food, senior services, youth development, and arts and culture programs while serving as a hub of Filipino culture in Seattle.