PORT GAMBLE — In a fit of holiday cheer, Janis Kelley decided she would do something special for families in need this Christmas season. One didn’t seem like enough.

Two? Nope.

Three? Guess again.

Four? Still not quite there.

Five? OK.

Kelley said she has always had a interest in helping the community, and she now has the means to do so through her business, the Port Gamble Tea Room. This year, the more families she could assist, the merrier.

“It was easy for me to decide to do this,” she said. “It was also easy for me to say that one family was not enough. I’m in a position to meet a lot of people, and I do have the ability to bring the community together to help other community members.”

Propelled by positive reactions from her fellow store owners, Kelley is collecting clothes, toys and essentials for each family. She is also encouraging her customers to help out, by donating money or food and items to ShareNet.

“We are trying to create a haven against the gloomy, storminess of life,” Kelley said, speaking also of her husband, Scott, who is helping in the effort to provide for five families at once. “This time of year can be the most stressful, loneliest time of year if you’re having a hard time making ends meet. It’s not just about the tea room, but about pulling the community together. And not just Port Gamble, but all communities.”

Kelley is also handing out 10 gift certificates to 10 families for a trip to the Port Gamble Tea Room for a nice meal and some R&R.

To help Kelley’s cause, visit the Port Gamble Tea Room at 32279 Rainier Ave., or call (360) 297-4225. ShareNet can be reached at (360) 297-2266, or donations can be mailed to ShareNet, P.O. Box 250, Kingston, WA 98346.