Gift cards are a common holiday gift, but the Better Business Bureau warns that if consumers are not careful, their gift cards could be worthless in a few months.
With the downturn of the economy many stores are struggling. Though they may be operating through December, some businesses could close locations or file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the future ...

Pastor Henry Greenidge sang and gave a great sermon to the congregation of My Father's House Ministry, last week at the Irvington Covenant Church. Greenidge retired from his leadership role at the church last summer, but he's still part of My Father's House Ministry's roster of weekly inspirational speakers.

The harsh economy threatens to make it a cold, cheerless holiday for about 120 low-income residents of New Columbia – many of them kids. Usually Toys for Tots and other charities provide gifts of toys, warm clothes and food for every low-income resident, says Leslie Esinga, New Columbia staff member. This season, Toys for Tots was not able to provide for everyone who qualifies for their services ...

• Discount Swim Lessons
• Job Skills Classes
• Financial Education Workshop
• Youth Writing Competition
• Guest Performers Join 'Black Nativity'
  
  
  

Prints by legendary Seattle artist Jacob Lawrence are on display at the upstairs showroom through December at the Francine Seders Gallery, 6701 Greenwood Ave N. The prints are selected from Lawrence's series The Legend of John Brown, Hiroshima and Toussaint L'Ouverture. Above is "Two Builders Playing Chess." For information call 206-782-0355.

Wednesday, Dec. 31, audiences are invited to join Seattle Symphony for a New Year's Eve celebration, including a performance by Seattle Symphony, an after-party with dessert, champagne toast and dancing to the music of Emerald City Throwdown, plus a countdown to 2009 ...

Washington ACORN members and the Washington ACORN Institute kicked off their first ever mobile Prosperity Centers at the West Seattle Food Bank last week. The group is offering special services such as holiday budget planning and more opportunities to sign up for government and nonprofit food benefits. ACORN has ramped up its outreach and services just as the local economy is spiraling downwards and holiday pressures are reaching their peak ...

The Washington State Department of Financial Institution's Consumer Services Division advises homeowners who are delinquent on their mortgage to be cautious about using the services of someone offering to help them work with their lender to modify the terms of their home loan. The Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) has received a number of inquiries regarding the legality ...

Earshot Jazz has presented this ecumenical concert for the past 20 years. It is the world's longest running presentation of the sacred pieces by Ellington, which he considered among his most important works. The concert features blues, gospel and jazz pieces drawn from Ellington's three "Sacred Concerts"

Ahmbur Blue, left, a Microsoft HR Business Specialist, helps senior citizen Mary Boston, right, fill out paperwork to get a free converter box for her television. Blue was volunteering at Courtland Place at Rainier Court, a senior housing complex in Rainier Valley in south Seattle.
Photo by Ron Wurzer/Microsoft