Hello!
Children's Emergency Fund proudly serves students from low-income families in the area served by the Puyallup School District. We help to pay for urgent medical and dental care, clothes, and products for hygiene. Since 1994, when we started keeping track, we've served more than 7,300 children and paid nearly $900,000 toward their expenses.
To ask for help, a student's parent or guardian first contacts the counselor at the student's school to begin an application. If eligible, the family shares documentation of the expense, such as a copy of an uninsured medical bill. We process most requests in only a few days. Everything stays completely confidential!
About Us
Our mission: Children's Emergency Fund pays for emergency necessities for children of low-income families in the area served by Puyallup School District, in the belief that healthy, nurtured children make better learners and become productive citizens within our community.
We were founded in 1967 (or 1968?) by a small group of school nurses who wanted to help their students financially. Originally called Red Feather, we were granted nonprofit status in 1992 and still operate as a 501(c)3 public charity association. To keep overhead low, we're powered by volunteer labor. We're still a tiny organization, still staffed by school employees. On average, we serve 286 children each year. Most of our funding comes from Puyallup School District staff contributions and United Way donations. We do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, sex, religion, disability, or citizenship.
Get Involved
Join us in helping our community!
Volunteer: We're looking for an experienced website expert to get our website started and keep it going. And we need students who can organize and conduct fundraising events in their schools. If you are a Puyallup School District employee — especially in social work, counseling, or health services — join us as a member and help us process applications. What other talents can you share?
Donate: No matter how you contribute, we don't share information about you or your donation unless required by law to do so. If you're a United Way donor, look for us as Donor Voice 110044. On the Washington Combined Fund Drive, we're 0315331. You can also visit our PayPal Giving Fund profile, GoFundMe page, or Venmo to donate online. Grant makers can find us on GuideStar. Your gifts are tax deductible too.
Look for Children's Emergency Fund as a beneficiary when you shop! Websites that offer "Give at Checkout" participate in the PayPal Giving Fund. When you choose us as your charity, we receive 100% of the money you designate. Or set CEF as your favorite charity by visiting our PayPal Giving Fund profile page. You can also link your Fred Meyer rewards card to Fred Meyer Community Rewards and specify organization JK426. Thank you for your contributions!
News
We're back! To start an application, contact the counselor at your child's school (limited to Puyallup School District). School-aged children who live in the area served by PSD may also be eligible even if they homeschool or attend private schools. Check back for details about how to apply.
Contact Us
We'd love to hear from you! Send us your questions, comments, or feedback: info@puyallup-cef.org.