The Christmas season is a time for families to be together and celebrate. My family and I moved here in October in an attempt to escape an unsafe living environment.

Upon our arrival, I found Port Townsend to be one of the most welcoming, generous, heartwarming and loving communities I have ever had the pleasure of residing in. I am a single mother of four children, one of whom is battling cancer, and I have never felt more welcomed in a new place than I have felt here. As the Christmas season was fast approaching, I signed my family up for the local Toys for Tots charity, and we were also nominated by Les Schwab to take our family on as a Christmas wish as well.

I was astounded and overwhelmed by the community’s love for its residents when I went to gather gifts bought for my family.

Les Schwab was generous and hand-delivered our gifts to our home. When the family who took us on began to unload what they had purchased, I was in awe of them.

This family purchased a bike for each of my older children and a scooter as well. This comes with many gifts and helmets for each of my children to enjoy over the holiday season. Giving the family a hug was all I could do in thanks for their generosity, but I wish I could have done so much more.

When we made our journey to Washington from Minnesota, we left with nothing but our clothes and had to leave behind our precious belongings. I wanted nothing more than for my children to have a happy Christmas with gifts that they could enjoy. The community here made that come true with their generosity and love for the children in Port Townsend.

BREANNA HALLS

Port Townsend