Looking for ways to give this holiday season? It’s never too late to gather information and give back – specifically, to Bellingham this winter. I can’t help but notice all the rushing, the road rage, the worn out cashiers and retail-saviors with tired eyes. I’m tired of feeling a little thin-veined and grumpy myself, so I researched some organizations that are looking for help this winter. As Buddha says, “The greatest achievement is selflessness.” Here are some ideas you might consider:
- Sterling Meadows and Sterling Senior – A program which offers affordable housing for families and seniors. They’re always looking for household goods (toilet paper, diapers, etc.), non-perishable food, or volunteer time to help with after-school programs. Check out their website for contact information/opportunities. Options to donate online HERE.
- Little Bugs Giving Tree – Located at 2400 Yew St., the Giving Tree is up! Come by and pick a tag from the tree. The tag will offer an age/gender of a child receiving services at Catholic Community Services. Choose a gift for the child described and bring it back to Little Bugs, unwrapped by December 19th.
- Fairhaven Toy Garden – Is raising money for Carry the Future, a non-profit that collects and buys child carriers for the refugees arriving in Greece by the thousands every day. You can get your gifts wrapped at the Toy Garden and make a donation, or make a donation even if you don’t need gifts wrapped. If you have a gently used child carrier, you can drop it off and they will send it to Carry the Future for you. Location: 1147 11th St.
- Blue Skies for Children – A longstanding local organization whose sole purpose is to help low-income, homeless and foster children in our community. They hand out warm winter wear and blankets free of charge through December 23rd, and always appreciate and make use of donations of new and gently used items. Location: 2505 Cedarwood Ave.
- Lighthouse Mission – BDP is currently collecting shoes for the Lighthouse Mission. Especially in winter, the Mission’s need for proper and weather-proof footwear is high. Located on their website are options to DONATE, where you can specify where you’d like your donation to support, i.e. Christmas Meals, Agape Home, or Where Needed Most. They are currently full on volunteers serving the Christmas Meal, and are thankful for the amount of community support. They ask to please check back in after the holidays to see upcoming orientations for ongoing volunteer opportunities. All information can be found HERE. Gather up your slightly used winter wear, blankets, etc. and contact the Lighthouse Mission for drop-off opportunities.
Other ways to make people feel good this winter:
- Hold the door open for the person behind you
- Write a positive Yelp review
- Buy coffee for someone
- Donate old towels or blankets to an animal shelter
- Purchase extra dog or cat food and bring it to an animal shelter
- Let someone go in front of you in line who only has a few items
- Return wild shopping carts to the store
- Put your phone away when in the company of others
- Support your local business
- Donate blood
- Spread good news
- Redirect gifts – ask them to donate gifts or money to a good cause
- Let someone merge in front of you
We hope you have a wonderful December, that you enjoy yourselves, and that you strive to give back in any way that you can. We’re all in this together. Happy Holidays!
