EVERETT, DEC. 18: Local Boy Scouts will sort and distribute hundreds of gifts collected this season at the Everett Mall tonight, Dec. 18 as part of their annual Giving Tree Program.
The program, created in 1968, is a way to give back to community members that might go without receiving a gift during the holiday season. More than 40 local organizations will benefit from the Everett Mall Giving Tree Program this year.
Angelique Ashton, marketing manager for the Everett Mall, said, “Now that construction is starting, everything we do this holiday season has had an air of ‘the last time’ to it.”
Construction has recently begun at the Everett Mall on a newly redeveloped shopping center, which will include new shops, restaurants and a walkable outdoor shopping area. The new Everett Mall has been dubbed “The HUB”, and is estimated to be completed in 2026.
“We may be able to squeeze out one more Christmas before the mall closes for the main phase of construction, but that isn’t 100% guaranteed,” Ashton said, “Once it closes, it will be about a year of being under construction, and then reopen as an all-outdoor center, which may or may not be able to have a Tree of Giving program.”
The Mount Baker Council of Scouts arranges several of their troops for the gift sorting each year. The scouts will distribute the gifts to local senior facilities, youth shelters, and cancer care centers, all in one night.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see our community come together to help those in need, and we’re especially grateful to Fluke and the Mount Baker Council of Scouts for their partnership all these years. If it is indeed the last Christmas that the Tree of Giving is held here, we’re so glad to see this program go out with a bang. We can’t wait to see the Scouts in action on Wednesday night,” Ashton said.
Organizations gathered wish lists from residents, and then the item was written on a tag to be placed on the Everett Mall Christmas tree. The mall collected items from Nov. 21 to Dec. 14. The shorter collection time frame was due to Thanksgiving being late in the calendar this year, Ashton said.
“This year’s program has been particularly successful, with the Everett community rallying to fill an empty storefront in the mall with gifts, despite a shorter collection timeframe,” Ashton said.
The holiday event is presented in partnership with the Fluke Corporation and The Boy Scouts of America.
