Seattle Culture
From Tech to Toys
Amazon hosts Winter Wonderland for underserved kids
By Sarah Stackhouse December 9, 2024
Amazon’s downtown Seattle campus is usually full of tech workers. Last weekend, it was overrun by children.
The company transformed its downtown Seattle headquarters into a Winter Wonderland, hosting more than 1,000 underserved children and their families for a day of festive activities and holiday fun.
Each child had the opportunity to select up to eight items from stations stocked with free electronics, sports equipment, robotics kits, books, and stuffed animals. Parents and guardians also received $50 per child to shop on Amazon.com, with purchases delivered to their homes.
The event, now its second year, was organized in partnership with local nonprofits, who invited families they support.
Beyond the shopping experience, families enjoyed gingerbread house decorating, face painting, and holiday-themed photo opportunities. Former Seahawks player Sean Locklear, team mascot Blitz, and other Seahawks players made appearances.
More than 300 Amazon employees volunteered at various stations throughout the day. Local nonprofit partners, including 4 Tomorrow, Byrd Barr Place, El Centro de la Raza, Family Works, Hummingbird Family Services, Rainier Athletes, Rise Above, Treehouse, United Indians of All Tribes, Vine Maple Place, Wellspring Family Services, and Youth Eastside Services, played a crucial role in connecting families to the event. Transportation was also provided for families who needed it.
“Amazon has been in the community and has deep roots here for the past 30 years,” Taylor Hoang, Amazon’s head of community affairs, told KOMO TV. “We are committed to supporting our community and making it vibrant, and stepping in to provide resources and access where it is needed.”
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