By Lisa Herrick
We just celebrated #GivingTuesday, a global day dedicated to giving back and honoring generosity. On this one day, non-profit organizations worldwide encouraged virtual volunteerism activities and online donations. Yet we all know the needs extend beyond just one day. Locally, opportunities abound to give of your time, money, and items. Consider how you might be able to give this season to make the holidays better in our community.
Giving of Time
The Community Kitchen provides nutritious meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner at designated times throughout the week at the Salvation Army, Community Youth Services and Drexel House. Volunteer opportunities for all ages, including families, are available by simply putting on an apron and washing hands. The onsite crew chief will provide direction as to helping prepare the meal, serving food, cleaning up or packaging leftovers. Contact Gabriel Ash, Social Services Manager at 360-753-3340 or Kelly Hanson, Site Coordinator to inquire if help is needed on a particular day or meal.
Family Support Center of South Sound
Whether a teen, retiree or any age in between the Family Support Center of South Sound abides by a quote from Forest Witcraft, “One hundred years from now it will not matter what kind of house you lived in, what kind of car you drove, what your bank balance was but what will matter is that you were important in the life of a child.” In November 2009, the Family Support Center opened the largest shelter for homeless families in Thurston County and is in constant need of healthy meals as well as trained hosts and greeters. Contact the Family Support Center of South Sound for of the moment volunteer needs.
Giving of Money
Salvation Army Red Kettle Christmas
We have all seen the red kettle and heard the bell ringing as we rush into the grocery store. Sometimes we even drop a few coins in the bucket. This Salvation Army program is one of the world’s oldest philanthropic campaigns. All the money raised in Thurston County kettles remains within our community to help the local Salvation Army with food and toys at Christmas as well as the many other programs they provide throughout the year. Drop some money in the bucket as you pass by or even considering signing up for a shift to ring the bell.
Giving of Things
Holiday Celebration at the Other Bank
The Other Bank will be distributing special holiday gifts and cleaning supplies on Wednesday, December 17 from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. for families in need. Cherie Reeves Sperr, Communications and Special Events Director shares, “This is a very special day for families. Thanks to Lucky Eagle Casino we will be able to serve cookies and hot cocoa and a team from Kohl’s will join our amazing Other Bank volunteers for what should be the biggest day of our year.” Donations are still needed. Cleaning supplies will be part of the package with items needed such as laundry detergent, dish soap, toilet paper, paper towels, sponges and cleaning products. They also need stocking stuffers for children such as baby toys, books, games, art supplies, kid bath supplies, stationary, costume jewelry, small stuffed animals, bubble bath, sports equipment, and picture frames. Donations can be dropped off Monday-Thursday between 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the YWCA (220 Union Ave SE in the big red house). Donors and clients with questions can contact Tanikka Watford at 352-0593 or tanikka@ywcaofolympia.org.
Interfaith Works Emergency Shelter
This emergency overnight shelter only has thirty beds and a long wait list since the cold weather arrived this winter. They have been consistently running out of supplies. A warm coat, bed and socks are often taken for granted yet not for those homeless and less fortunate in our community. Consider the simple act of donating bedding, winter clothing, toiletries or even money. View the donation wish list or donate online.
Combine donations, volunteering and festivities with the Stockings Filled with Love Teen Challenge benefitting the Homeless Backpacks Program on Sunday, December 14, from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the Macy’s Court in Capital Mall. Homeless Backpacks is committed to ending homelessness by giving teens the help they need so they can focus on school, graduate and become contributing citizens. Following the teen stocking stuffing competition, a live concert will start at 4:00 p.m. featuring 4MORE. The event is sponsored by Bruce Titus Automotive Group and TwinStar Credit Union. Canned food, mittens and socks are being accepted in donation barrels throughout the mall until the event date.
Giving Throughout the Year
While many of us are inspired to give during this time of year, keep in mind that the truest gift of giving could be volunteering throughout the year. Most non-profit needs are not confined to the holiday season. Consider gifting yourself the opportunity to give back throughout 2015. Schedule a time in the new year to submit a volunteer application or go through an organization’s training. Learn more about local non-profits in these articles. The gift of time, given consistently, is likely more valuable than one afternoon.
