Make the holidays brighter in Thurston County by donating to the Light of Hope
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 brings the joy and promise of books and reading to all of our region’s children, especially those who are lower-income and have limited access to books.
The foundation needs new and gently used children’s books, from board books for babies through young adult for teens. Donations can be delivered to the South Sound Reading Foundation at 200 Sleater-Kinney Road NE, Olympia, between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
For more information, visit https://www.southsoundreading.org/, email read2me@nthurston.k12.wa.us, or call 360-412-4499.
TOGETHER!
TOGETHER! is a 501(c)3 nonprofit serving the South Salish Sea since 1989. It works in community with students, families, schools, governments, nonprofits, tribes, and others to remove barriers, change systems, and build community and educational justice.
It needs grocery donations of cup of noodles and ramen; single-serve oatmeal; bottled water; single-serve juice or sports drinks; pop tarts; single-serve bags of chips; single-serve applesauce; granola bars (nut free); single-serve cereal; fruit snacks; single-serve goldfish crackers or pretzels; single-serve cookies or graham crackers
It also needs grocery or gas cards ($25 denominations), and new name-brand coats/shoes for elementary and middle school youth.
Two low-income, unstably housed students need $500 for a drivers education course.
To donate funds securely online, visit https://watogether.org/Get-Involved/Donate or to coordinate donation drop off or pick up of goods or gift cards, please contact Meghan Sullivan, Deputy Director, at 360-999-0539 (work cell).
South Sound YMCA
The YMCA has been responding to its communities’ most critical social needs for 130 years. It helps participants develop skills and emotional wellbeing through education, fitness, and recreation programs. It prevents chronic disease and builds healthier communities through collaborations with community partners. And it fosters the community’s commitment to social justice for all. Whether on the court, in the pool, or at a local school, the Y fosters a sense of belonging and offers opportunities for all people to succeed.
The YMCA is seeking donations of towels to be distributed to clients in its free shower program. It also needs gift cards to support teens in Mason County through the holidays and to support shower program clients.
For more information, contact Sarah Clinton at clintons@ssymca.net or 360-918-0402. Towel donations may be delivered to the Briggs YMCA, 1530 Yelm Hwy SE, Olympia, or Plum Street YMCA, 505 Plum St. SE, Olympia. Gift cards can be dropped off at any South Sound YMCA branch.
Family Support Center of South Sound
Family Support Center of South Sound, founded in 1992, provides families with children and survivors of domestic violence/sexual assault with coordinated supportive services to accomplish the mission, “Working Together to Strengthen ALL Families and Survivors.” It seeks to build strong, healthy, hopeful households through collaborative programs to reduce the negative impacts of poverty, homelessness, and family violence. Family Support Center (FSC) operates as a “one stop shop,” co-locating with government and nonprofit organizations in a single location, reducing the number of places a family or survivor in crisis must go to for services, resources, and support.
FSCSS needs diapers (sizes 3+), wipes, coffee, disposable coffee cups with lids, non-perishable snacks, easy-to-heat meals (non-perishable), hygiene supplies such as toothbrushes and toothpaste, soap, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant and razors, as well as feminine hygiene products and cleaning supplies.
Here are the wish lists of some of its client families:
Client 1: Wireless headphones, hair scrunchies, gift certificate for music/games, manicure kit and polish, makeup (darker complexion), journal, beanie, scarf, gloves.
Client 2: Art kits, make your own jewelry, fidget spinner, moon/star lamp, phone cable protector, bubble tea kit.
Client 3: Bath mat, shower curtain, bath towels, washcloths, toothbrushes and toothbrush holder.
Client 4: Large winter jackets (2 adult male, 2 adult female), 4 cold weather sleeping bags, pillows, flannel pillowcases, four-season tent, tarp, camping lantern, flashlight/headlamps, batteries.
Client 5: New dishes, pots and pans, silverware, sturdy coffee mugs, dish towels.
Client 6: Karaoke microphone, skin care products, slippers, wireless headphones, tie dye kit.
Items can be dropped off between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fridays at its main office, 3545 Seventh Ave SW, Suite 200, Olympia. Questions? Contact Maija Glasier-Lawson at 360-754-9297 ext. 214 or maijag@fscss.org.
Senior Services for South Sound
Senior Services is a 501(c)3 charitable organization with the mission of improving the quality of life for people as they age. It 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.
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.
Lewis Mason Thurston Area Agency on Aging
The Lewis-Mason-Thurston Area Agency on Aging connects vulnerable adults with information and social and health services to help them remain in their homes. Most clients have very modest means combined with health conditions which limit their ability to care for themselves. Donations help fulfill their wishes, which would otherwise would be unmet.
This year the agency will be doing things a little bit differently. It is asking for donations via PayPal or mail so it can match the client’s wishes with gift cards. It cannot accept packages at this time.
Once you choose a client from the list below, send the gift card donation through the agency’s PayPal account or mail it to LMTAAA, 2404 Heritage Ct SW Olympia, WA 98502. Please include the client number with the donation. Donations are tax-deductible and will be accepted through Dec. 16.
For more information, call Laura Dreckman at 360-664-3162, ext.133.
Client 1: A man who lives alone and whose health condition and chronic pain limit his ability to care for himself and his home. He would appreciate a gift card to purchase cleaning supplies and phone minutes to connect with family.
Client 2: A man in his 80s who has multiple physical health conditions, and lives alone with minimal informal supports. Due to the rising costs of gas, this has limited his ability to attend the Senior Center and to visit his son. He would appreciate a Visa gift card to purchase fuel.
Client 3: An elderly woman who has multiple chronic illnesses and a very low income. She enjoys quilting and would appreciate a gift card to Walmart to purchase quilting supplies.
Client 4: A man who has multiple physical health struggles and few financial resources is getting ready to move into an apartment. He would appreciate a gift card to Walmart to help obtain household items for his daily needs.
Client 5: A man lives alone with his dog and experiences daily pain due to several physical health issues. Taking his dog for short walks is his main form of exercise. His income is limited, and his wish is to purchase supplies for his dog and pay for his own prescriptions.
Client 6: A man in his 70s lives on a fixed income, has no family nearby, and suffers with daily pain. He would appreciate a Walmart gift card to help with the cost of a vacuum cleaner and dishes.
Client 7: A woman in her 50s, who suffers with chronic fatigue, weakness, and other health issues, is living on a fixed income. She would appreciate help purchasing winter clothes and some furnishings for her home.
Client 8: A woman in her 40s struggles with multiple chronic health issues while trying to help care for family members. She would like to have a gift card for Walmart to help pay for a dining room rug and pet food for her emotional support animals.
Client 9: A man in his 50s suffers with chronic illnesses, is currently moving into a new apartment and has a very limited income. He would appreciate a gift card to Walmart so that he can buy essentials for showering and hygiene products.
Client 10: A woman who has multiple physical limitations due to a disabling medical condition has just moved into a new apartment and is looking for help with buying appliances. She would appreciate a Walmart gift card to help pay for an electric skillet or instant pot.
Client 11: A woman who has a very complex medical diagnosis wishes for a Visa gift card to help purchase a few art supplies.
Client 12: A woman in her early 50s who has several physical and emotional issues also is struggling financially. She would appreciate a gift card to help purchase a holiday meal.
Client 13: A woman in her late 30s who lives alone and suffers from mental health issues is on a very limited income and has no family support. She would appreciate a gift card to Walmart to help buy winter boots and warm clothes.
Client 14: A woman in her 50s was a very active, social person until a health event limited her mobility. She lives with her support dogs that are her trusted companions. She would be grateful for help purchasing pet supplies.
Client 15: A woman in her 50s is the primary care support for several family members while managing her own debilitating illnesses. She would be grateful for a Walmart gift card to help buy some household necessities and clothing.
Client 16: A woman in her 80s is a cancer survivor and lives alone with her dog. She has a very low income and would benefit from a gift card to Walmart to purchase her favorite holiday items.
Client 17: A woman in her late 60s is dealing with a recent disability. She is in the processes of moving into a new place and could use a gift card to purchase much-needed household items.
Client 18: A man in his 60s lives with and helps a disabled family member while dealing with his own mobility and back problems. He would be grateful for a gift card to buy kitchen wares, and maybe a dinner out.
Client 19: A woman in her 60s lives alone and has multiple chronic illnesses. She has a small income that keeps her on a very tight budget. She would appreciate a gift card to Fred Meyer so she could buy some holiday treats.
Client 20: A woman in her late 30s has painful chronic illnesses and lives with other family members, as well as her emotional support pets. She would appreciate a gift card to purchase a microwave and treats for her pets.
Client 21: A woman in her 60s has multiple chronic health issues that make it difficult for her to leave her home. Her clothes no longer fit her, but she lacks the resources to replace them. She would be grateful for a gift card to Target, to help purchase proper fitting clothes.
.Client 22: A woman in her 50s has multiple serious health issues that affect her mobility and make it difficult for her to be comfortable while in bed. She would appreciate a gift card to Amazon to buy specialized pillows.
Client 23: A woman in her 40s became disabled at a young age and has difficulty using her stove to cook meals. She would appreciate a gift card to Amazon to help purchase an air fryer/toaster oven so she can maintain her independence.
Client 24: A woman in her 50s has overcome many challenges in her life, including serious health conditions that limit her mobility. She has been saving up for a lift chair that would help her get up from a sitting position and she would appreciate a gift card to Amazon to help towards the cost.
Client 25: A woman in her 80s lives alone with her small dog and suffers from several health limitations. Her wish is simply for a Target gift card so she can fill her refrigerator and get something for her dog.
Client 26: A woman has arthritis and other health issues that make it difficult to accomplish many of her daily activities. She would like help purchasing an air fryer and a Walmart gift card.
Client 27: A woman who lives alone and has no family in the area also has some mobility and breathing problems and cannot afford to purchase many food and household items. A gift card to Fred Meyer would be appreciated.
Client 28: A woman in her 50s suffers with several health issues. She is a single mother of a 12-year-old, and works hard to provide for her daughter and herself on a very low income. She has not been able to purchase clothes for herself for about 10 years. She would appreciate a gift card to Walmart to go towards clothes, pajamas and a hairbrush.
Client 29: A 57-year-old woman living with substantial disabilities has an income so low she must prioritize her resources for food over her basic clothing needs. She would appreciate a gift card to buy pajamas for Christmas.
Client 30: A woman in her mid-50s is coping with both her husband’s disability and her own. Due to their limited income, she would appreciate help purchasing clothing.
Client 31: A 56-year-old man with a limited income rents a room in a private home, which he shares with his dog. He would appreciate a gift card to purchase sheets and a bedspread as well as a new dog bed.
