West Seattle Non-Profits That Can Use Your Help Year-Round

The holidays are often a time when people think more about giving, especially last year. But there are so many West Seattle non-profits that can use our help throughout the entire year, especially now. Many local non-profits have been hit hard by overwhelming need because of the pandemic, and many of them have had to change how they operate, which takes both time and money.

When we help our neighbors out, we lift our entire West Seattle community. So, let’s do what we can together!

West Seattle Food Bank

The West Seattle Food Bank recognizes that systemic inequities and institutionalized racism are driving factors for both housing instability and food insecurity, and they’re actively working to address these issues head-on. The food bank uses a shopping model, where participants get a cart and pick out items from the store; this allows them to choose from many healthy, fresh options. The food bank also has mobile food pantries and even a home delivery service for those who aren’t near a mobile pantry site.

The pet pantry distributes many pounds of food each year, and the food bank offers baby supplies, food for students on the weekends, and clothes at Clothesline, their free clothing store.

To help out you can:

·      Donate clothes to Clothesline

·      Donate money

·      Donate non-perishable food, pet food, or baby supplies

·      Hold or visit a food drive

·      Volunteer to help at the food bank or at Clothesline

ArtsWest

ArtsWest Playhouse and Gallery is a non-profit organization that has a variety of theater and arts programs. In fact, they’ve done over 1100 theater productions and art exhibitions in the last 30+ years. The organization focuses on the conversation to encourage understanding, tolerance, and intellectual growth, which is more important now than ever before.

Since less than 50% of their operating revenue comes from ticket proceeds, it’s donor generosity that allows them to do what they do! You can donate here. You can also help out by working as an usher, in the office, or by building, painting, or sewing (once the pandemic is over, that is). If you have skills, they can use them!

White Center Food Bank

White Center Food Bank is here to help the West Seattle community during economic downturns like this one, nourishing those in need while also building a sense of self-reliance. The food bank helped over 6,300 people and distributed over 137,000 pounds of food this past November alone.

They are currently taking appointments for food shopping so people aren’t left standing outside in the cold for a long period of time. They also offer home delivery and a mobile food bank for those with special needs, as well as no-cook grocery bags and emergency, after-hours food bags. All customers in the service area are also given gift certificates to shop at local markets for healthy and ethnic foods. White Center Food bank offers baby formula, food, and cereal, as well.

There are many opportunities to help out (they’re all listed here), but they always need warehouse volunteers, grocery drivers, and grocery store and food line workers. You can also go here to donate money now or see a list of foods needed and where to take them. To donate with just a couple of button clicks, you can purchase much-needed items from the food bank’s Amazon Wish List. Talk about convenience!

West Seattle Community Orchestras

West Seattle Community Orchestras has created a community where musicians of all ages can learn about and appreciate music and also perform together. Though they aren’t currently holding in-personal rehearsals or classes, they will offer ensembles and classes again as soon as it’s safe to do so. Students can participate at no charge, and there is a modest fee for adults. In the meantime, WSCO is currently offering free online programming, and it’s honestly a pretty cool replacement for in-person instruction.

Support the WSCO’s community performances and mission to provide top-quality music education by offering financial support to help them grow their programs and expand their reach. You can go here to donate.

WestSide Baby

WestSide Baby meets the basic needs of children in our West Seattle community and promotes their healthy development, safety, and security. They provide essential items to keep our kids safe and warm with diapers, clothing, and other necessary equipment. They distribute these items directly to 100+ partner agencies that work with local families in need. In 2019, WestSide Baby donated over 1.5 million diapers and 3.4 million dollars’ worth of other goods, including books, car seats, and strollers to children in our community.

There are several ways you can help out WestSide Baby and keep our littlest ones safe.

·      Subscribe to give monthly diaper boxes to families

·      Donate needed items

·      Purchase from their Amazon Wish List

·      Donate money

Mary’s Place

This fall, we participated in an Agents of Change fundraising drive, along with other real estate agents in the area, for Mary’s Place. They, like so many other non-profits, have been severely impacted by the pandemic.

Mary’s Place supports women, children, and families as they journey out of homelessness. They have helped hundreds of women and families find more stable situations by securing housing, helping people prepare for employment, connecting kids to schools and activities, and offering food and social support. Mary’s Place also offers homes for medically fragile children who would otherwise be living in cars or tents.

Mary’s Place needs your help to keep the doors open and food on the table. They would also love to make more space available for those in need as the effects of the pandemic worsen. Learn how you can help here. They’ve had to cut back on volunteer opportunities because of the pandemic, but there are plenty of virtual opportunities to help. It’s perfect if you want to do something but aren’t able to go out.

tHe Service Board

Our managing broker, Kristen, has been heavily involved with tHe Service Board in the past, and it’s such a meaningful, youth-led organization. tHe Service Board mentors teens as they conquer personal and cultural challenges by participating in environmental and social justice education, public service, and of course, outdoor adventure (primarily snowboarding). This organization provides opportunities for leadership and personal development for high schoolers in the King County area.

There are many opportunities for those wanting to get involved, and there many more options available when we’re not in the middle of a pandemic. To stay caught up with possible options for volunteering, check out their page here. You can also donate here.

We love our fantastic West Seattle community and are so grateful for the many West Seattle non-profits out there that are doing so much to help our neighbors in need. Remember, when we help each other, we’re all stronger together.