Dear Friend, Happy Holidays from all of us at Lake Washington Schools Foundation! I wouldn't want to repeat it, but 2020 has been an enlightening year. We've learned how much we can take, and how much we need each other. We've learned how to reach out, and how to accept help. At LWSF, we've been able to do more than ever for local kids, pivoting most of our programs to go virtual and doing the rest safely. It's all thanks to donors just like you, who are the strength of any community's ability to provide for its most vulnerable. (Want to make one last gift before the tax deadline? Click here to make a year-end contribution to kids.) Corporations and foundations, too, have responded to the increased need in our region. This network of support has allowed us to be nimble and responsive. In fact, LWSF has just paid off student lunch debt for all students who qualify for free or reduced lunches in the Lake Washington School District, giving hundreds of families a fresh start with a "zero balance" in the new year. We've also embarked on a partnership to train 150 LWSD teachers and staff in Youth Mental Health First Aid. This training helps adults working with students recognize and respond to children and adolescents who are experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis. It's been a tough, uncertain year, but we're pulling through. Let's keep going and stick together. We will find ourselves stronger and more resilient on the other side. | 
