FTJ Brings Joy and Warmth to the Holidays
“Look ~ my scarf even matches my jacket!”
Thanks to the generosity of FTJ Residents, Staff and Board Members, the holidays got a lot warmer for people who needed a little extra help! Franke Tobey Jones was able to ensure low-income seniors and homeless youth did not, in fact, feel the cold outside! Contributions helped fill 240 gift bags filled with scarves and holiday treats for participants at Pt. Defiance ~ Ruston Senior Center, Lighthouse, and Beacon activity centers. For several days, a group of FTJ residents volunteered to lovingly wrap and assemble the items. In addition, Beacon, which is also an overnight shelter for homeless youth, received 60 backpacks filled with scarves, blankets, gloves, snacks, hygiene kits and much more. Nisqually Red Wind Casino even donated playing cards and dice!
240 Gift Bags Distributed
The 240 gift bags were distributed among the participants at the senior center holiday parties, and the backpacks were handed out to the youth on Christmas day. What a wonderful holiday gift of comfort and caring! With almost half of our senior center participants living below the poverty threshold, and a 23% increase in people experiencing homelessness in Tacoma in 2024, these acts of kindness made a profound impact. Here are just a few notes of appreciation:
Everyone Was Thrilled!
Tyler, Pt. Defiance ~ Ruston Senior Center Assistant said, “Everyone at the holiday party was so overwhelmed with their gift bags and appreciated the generosity of Franke Tobey Jones Residents, Staff and Board Members.”
One participant added, “Please thank everyone for all you do for us – you always remember us at holiday time and throughout the year. You make me feel very special.”
A Beacon participant excitedly said, “Look ~ my scarf even matches my jacket!”
Zhane McMiller-Simmons, site manager at Beacon Activity Center commented, “On behalf of all of us at the Beacon Activity Center, thank you! We really appreciate the generosity of Franke Tobey Jones residents and staff - in this time of need when a lot of these kids are experiencing homelessness and frequently move, the backpacks with all these thoughtful and necessary items were extremely helpful.”
Tonya Cloud, shelter engagement specialist added, “the backpacks filled with items to keep warm, and a package of toiletries were perfect! With the colder weather, they were able to walk outside with gloves and scarves. Some of the kids who go to work were able to use their hand warmers when they walked to the bus. Many come in with nothing so having a backpack and some personal items is everything.”
We thank everyone involved for being such a compassionate and positive force in our community!
FTJ Team members Terri Ross. Franchesca Thomas, and Amy Petschke (far right) and resident Pat Mail fill 60 backpacks for the Beacon Activity Center
Beacon Activity Center staff help unload the backpacks for homeless young adults
Happy Holidays from FTJ Residents, Staff, and Board ~ gift bags with warm, patterned scarves and candy for the Pt, Defiance ~ Ruston Center participants
In addition to the FTJ holiday bags, Healthcare Providers Council of Pierce County sent warm lap blankets to the Senior Centers
Senior Center participants enthusiastically wore their scarves
The Mission of Franke Tobey Jones
To enrich and extend the quality of life for seniors in our community. As a not-for-profit organization, we provide senior residential services, a supportive continuum of care and innovative community outreach.