Donate to the Light of Hope to make the holidays brighter for many in Thurston County
If you are looking for a way to help those in need in Thurston County during the holiday season, you’ve found it.
The Olympian’s annual Light of Hope listing shines a light on the needs of South Sound residents who lack resources, and the nonprofit organizations that work with them.
Below you will find wish lists from local nonprofits and the people they help, and suggestions for how you can help meet those needs — including the specific needs of some of the agencies’ clients. So read on to learn how you can donate and make a difference for someone this holiday season.
South Sound Reading Foundation
The South Sound Reading Foundation is a nonprofit organization based in Lacey that serves the children and families of Thurston and Mason counties. It envisions communities where all children read well and enjoy reading, and where reading opens new opportunities. Primarily, it serves lower-income children and families and those considered Title 1 in schools. However, its mission is to bring the joy and promise of books and reading to all South Sound children.
What they need: Give the gift of literacy by donating new and gently-used children’s books — board books, beginning readers, and Spanish language books for all ages is the greatest need at this time.
To donate: Email read2me@nthurston.k12.wa.us, or call 360-412-4411 ext. 35001. Visit www.southsoundreading.org for more information. Donations are accepted at 2830 Willamette Drive, Suite A, Lacey.
South Sound YMCA
The YMCA’s mission is to provide youth and the community an affordable and accessible resource for the positive development of spirit, mind, and body through recreational, health, and leadership programs. Its impact is felt when an individual makes a healthy choice, when a mentor inspires a child, and when a community comes together for the common good.
What they need: The YMCA is seeking donations of hats, gloves, men’s crew socks, and foot/hand warmers.
Drop donations off at the Plum Street YMCA, 505 Plum St. SE, Olympia, or Briggs YMCA, 1530 Yelm Highway SE. Contact Lesli Baker for information or with questions. She can be reached at bakerl@ssymca.net or at 360-918-0306.
Senior Services for South Sound
Senior Services for South Sound is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for people as they age. Celebrating its 50th year of service, this organization runs senior centers in Lacey and Olympia, feeds thousands of people through Meals on Wheels deliveries and congregate dining, and offers many activities and programs to keep the senior populations of Thurston and Mason Counties thriving.
What they need: The nonprofit needs gift cards of $20 or more to share with various clients for clothing and other basic needs.
Gift cards and checks can be mailed to Senior Services for South Sound, 222 Columbia St. NW, Olympia WA 98501. Visit www.southsoundseniors.org to make a gift online or learn more about the organization. You can also call 360-586-6181 or email info@southsoundseniors.org.
Lewis Mason Thurston Area Agency on Aging
The Lewis-Mason-Thurston Area Agency on Aging (LMTAAA) connects vulnerable adults with information and social and health services that help them remain in their homes. They also support people who provide informal caregiving assistance to family members or friends. Most clients have very modest means combined with health conditions that limit their ability to care for themselves. Every year, LMTAAA organizes the Light of Hope program, where financial donations fulfill client wishes that would otherwise go unmet.
This year the agency is doing things a little bit differently. LMTAAA is purchasing gift cards so all participating clients will have the ability to buy the holiday wish items of their choice. All financial donations will be pooled and used to purchase gift cards of the same amount, meaning the more raised, the bigger the impact on participating client’s lives this holiday season.
Donations are tax-deductible and will be accepted through Tuesday, Dec. 5. All donations received past Dec. 5 will go towards helping clients manage unexpected personal expenses during the rest of the year. For more information, or to donate via PayPal, credit, or debit card, please visit our website: www.LMTAAA.org/LOH. Send donations by mail to LMTAAA’s Olympia office, 2404 Heritage Ct SW Olympia, WA 98502 ATTN Light of Hope. For check donations, please include Light of Hope in the memo. Financial donations can also be dropped off in person Monday or Tuesday from the hours of 9 a.m. to noon or 1:30 to 3:30.p.m.
Your generosity will bring joy to 46 Thurston County residents the case management and family caregiver support workers have spotlighted for your consideration. Below is breakdown of what clients will use their holiday gift cards to purchase.
Thirteen clients have pets and will use their holiday gift cards to purchase pet supplies, in addition to household items, linens, holiday meals, and gifts for grandchildren. Below are six of their stories:
This client is in her late 40s and lives with her emotional support dog on a very limited income. She has experienced some tragic life challenges in the last 2 years, including an apartment fire and the passing of her mother. She will use her holiday gift card to replace some household items she lost in the fire, purchase rain boots, and a slow feed bowl for her dog.
This client is in her early 80s and lives by herself. Her cats provide her companionship and she lovingly refers to them as her babies. She will use her holiday gift card to purchase some food and toys for her cats and supplies to make holiday treats for her grandchildren.
This client is in her early 80s and lives with her granddaughter and daughter, who is also her formal caregiver. Despite physical disabilities and limitations, this client loves to go outside whenever possible. She enjoys helping with yard work, crocheting, and crafting when she can. She will use her holiday gift card to purchase pet supplies for her dog and cat and, for herself, purchase new pillowcases, wash towels, and bath towels.
This client is in his 60s and lives alone with his two pups. He is on a limited income and relies on his caregivers for companionship and assistance. With his holiday gift card, he will purchase some treats for his pups and restock on household cleaning items.
This client is in her late 50s who lives alone with her cat, whom she describes as the best companion. She does not travel outside much due to her health. When she does go out, she would like to be able to take her cat along. She will use her holiday gift card to purchase a cat travel carrier, as well as some new clothing, dish towels, and bath towels.
This client is in her 60s and lives in her own home with her dog, who is a source of great joy and companionship, as she must spend most of her day in bed. She will use her holiday gift card to purchase some treats, toys, and clothing for her dog and some holiday decorations for her windows to cheer up during the holidays.
Twelve clients relayed they will use their holiday gift card to purchase food or kitchenware. Below are six of their stories:
This client is in her 60s and lives alone. She has only one family member locally and recently experienced the loss of her sister. She is on a very limited income. She is also a great cook! She loves to cook seafood gumbo, fresh collard greens, fried fish and fried chicken, with brownies for dessert! To make her season extra special, she will use her holiday gift card to purchase a new set of pots and pans as hers have seen better days.
This client is in his late 50’s and lives alone in his apartment. He likes to listen to music and ride his bike. He is on a very limited income and will use his holiday gift card to purchase groceries or clothes.
This client is in her 80’s and lives with her grandson. She does not have any other family or friends to rely upon. She will use her holiday gift card to buy food to help feed her and her grandson.
This client is in her 40s and a mother to four children who love playing outside. She loves to watch her children running in the yard playing all kinds of sports, from baseball to soccer. During colder months, she and her family enjoy playing board games. She will use her holiday gift card to purchase additional board games for the family to enjoy together as well as a new rice maker.
This client is in his mid-70’s, bedbound, and lives alone in an apartment with no family nearby. With his holiday gift card, he will purchase food, as well as a new pillow and warm blanket for his bed.
This client is a woman in her late 50s who lives in an apartment with her daughter, whom is her caregiver. This year she completed her radiation treatment for breast cancer. She enjoys gardening, baking and cooking. She will use her holiday gift card to purchase some cookware and bakeware.
Seven clients relayed they will use their holiday gift card to purchase winter clothes, shoes, or linens. Below are four of their stories:
This client is a military veteran in his mid-70s who lives alone. Although he has heart problems, he has a big heart in helping others. He will use his holiday gift card to update his bedding and linens; as well as restock on house cleaning supplies.
This client is in her 30s and has fallen on some tough times. She has been unhoused since June and is making great progress towards obtaining long-term housing. She has so much fire in her and is motivated to move forward in life. She will use her holiday gift card to purchase some winter clothes that fit her as she has had a size change and to purchase new items for her apartment, which is hopefully coming very soon!
This client is in his mid-60s and lives alone in a trailer. He has limited income and a difficult time heating his trailer with the cold weather. He will use his holiday gift card to purchase butane to heat his trailer, a new jacket, and a warm blanket.
This client is in her 50s and lives alone with no family. She enjoys volunteering at nursing homes when she is physically able to. She will use her holiday gift card to purchase new clothes and household items for the winter.
Seven clients relayed they will use their holiday gift card to purchase furniture, household items, or assistive devices. Below are five stories:
This client is in her early 60s and was born with right sided paralysis, meaning she has no use of her right arm. She has some limited control over her right leg but no feeling in it, resulting in a permanent limp and some hip issues due to the uneven gait. She uses a wheeled office chair and will use her holiday gift card to help buy a new one.
This client is in his mid-60s and lives alone. His family lives far away. He enjoys playing the clarinet and loves everything Star Trek. He is prone to falls and suffered a recent hospitalization from a fall. He will use his holiday gift card to purchase a pair of slip-on shoes to help with dressing and mobility.
This client is a woman in her 60s that spent several months unhoused earlier this year. We are excited to share that she recently was able to get housing! She will use her holiday gift card to purchase some sort of clothing storage, like a dresser.
This client is in his early 60’s and lives alone. He has no family and relies on his caregiver for companionship and assistance and his faith to get through the tough times. He will use his holiday gift card to contribute to the purchase of a new recliner, as his current recliner is broken.
This client is in her early 60’s who lives alone. She has limited income and her last family member recently moved away unexpectedly. With her holiday gift card, she will purchase some warm slippers and comforting items for her feet to help relieve the feet pain she experiences from diabetes.
Seven clients relayed they will use their holiday gift card for hobbies. Below are four of their stories:
This client is in her early 60s who lives by herself and is always willing to help another person as best as she can. She enjoys crafts, such as painting, beading, and knitting; however, it is often difficult to afford supplies for her hobbies due to financial strains. She will use her holiday gift card to purchase an art easel.
This client is in her late 50s and lives alone. She loves to craft and will use her holiday gift card to purchase new crafting supplies for the gifts she makes for her family.
This client is in her 60s and lives alone with her dog. She enjoys crafting and creating different things. She relies on her caregiver for companionship thru her treatments. She will use her holiday gift card to by crafting supplies so she may continue to create things that bring her joy and comfort.
This client is in her late 70’s living with Parkinson’s and severe depression. She lost her son a year ago at Christmas time and struggles to find her happiness again. This client mentioned she would like to re-engage in the things she loves and would like to paint again. She will use her holiday gift card to purchase art supplies.
