Organizations around Bellingham are working to aid community members in need as the holidays — and colder temperatures — approach. If you have money, goods or time to spare, here are a few ways to support their work.
Not finding the cause you’re looking for? Check bellinghamnonprofits.org for a full list of registered nonprofits, organized by mission.
Where to donate Christmas gifts
Folks looking to donate gifts and goods can choose from several local resources: Blaine’s Community Toy Store is accepting donations of brand-new toys for their annual gift assistance program. Visit blainecap.org for more information. Financial education nonprofit Whatcom Dream also has a Christmas Shoppe open to graduates of their financial empowerment course, wherein families can purchase new toys at a 75–90% discount.
Ferndale’s Holiday Giving Store is set up like a regular toy store, except no money is exchanged. The program provided Christmas gifts to more than 500 children in 2023; visit ferndalecs.org for information on ways to donate.
Bellingham and Whatcom County Toys for Tots is staffed entirely by volunteers and provides toys and books for more than 3,500 children annually. All donations stay within the local community.
Lydia Place’s “Adopt a Family” program makes Christmas Day brighter for more than 400 children experiencing housing instability in Whatcom County by ensuring they receive Christmas gifts. Participants can contribute directly to families’ Christmas wishlists (available online) or provide monetary sponsorship.
In lieu of physical donations, Blue Skies for Children is connecting families in need with community members and organizations who can sponsor them directly. Office and Program Coordinator Alexandra Long said they’re accepting tickets or entry fee donations for Christmas experiences like holiday shows and photos with Santa.
Village Books has its annual Giving Tree at both the Bellingham and Lynden locations in December. Customers are invited to purchase books for local recipients at a 20% discount, plus donate or round up their purchase. In the weeks before Christmas, local social service organizations will help distribute books to upward of 1,000 local children.
Bailee Barz, Lighthouse Mission Ministries‘ director of community engagement, said the nonprofit would greatly appreciate donations of blank Christmas cards for residents to send to loved ones. They’re also looking for unfrosted sugar cookies for residents to decorate and enjoy.
Where to donate food, clothing, supplies
Throughout the holidays, The Assistance League gives gifts to residents of six Whatcom County care centers. They accept donations of gently-used clothing and household items, as well as cash donations, at their Thrift and Gift Shop.
Lydia Place encourages folks to donate family essentials or children’s books per their Amazon and Village Books wishlists. Program and Partnership Coordinator Heather Fleming said folks can also support the organization by hosting donation drives for household cleaning/personal hygiene items, or by donating gently used items to community partners like Wee Ones Reruns. For more information, visit their Holiday Giving Guide.
Lighthouse Mission Ministries is hosting a “Drive for Joy” from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 in the parking lot across from their new building (839 W. Holly St., Bellingham). Requested items include hand warmers, towels, clothing, Christmas cards and stamps, reusable mugs and water bottles, and hygiene supplies like deodorant and toothpaste.
YWCA Bellingham takes donations at their downtown Bellingham boutique, Y’s Buys. CEO Alle Schene said they’re currently collecting donations for a new shelter opening in early 2025; requested items include new diapers, twin-sized sheets or comforters, personal hygiene products and baby essentials, as well as new or gently-used toys, kitchen supplies/appliances and children’s clothing. For a full list, visit ywcabellingham.org/wishlist.
The Bellingham Food Bank is requesting donations of high-protein canned items like stews, beans and meats. Outreach Coordinator Stephanie Sisson noted that monetary donations will be matched by a $50,000 holiday season sponsorship courtesy of Bell Lumber & Pole. Other local food banks include Project Hope in Lynden, the Ferndale Food Bank, the Blaine Food Bank Association and Skagit Valley Neighbors in Need.
Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services (DVSAS)’ development director, Marjie George, noted that the organization is always looking for supplies for their shelter. Most requested items include twin sheet sets, as all the 150-plus people who stay with DVSAS receive fresh sheets on arrival. Other requested items include basic, unused clothing items like underwear, sports bras, leggings, sweatshirts and T-shirts, as well as pantry staples.
Fundraisers and drives
As far as holiday fundraisers go, the Jingle Bell Run is among the most entertaining. Participants are encouraged to don their finest Santa outfit for this annual 5K fun run. This year’s race is Dec. 14, starting at Bellingham High School, and all proceeds benefit the Arthritis Foundation.
From now until the end of the year, the Bellingham Public School Foundation is running a special campaign to fund their Yes Cards, which are low-barrier grants meant to support students in need. Executive Director Sam Gearhart said teachers can submit $100–$200 requests to the foundation to help meet almost any need a child brings to them — and almost no request is turned down.
Road2Home has a benefit comedy show at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11 at New Prospect Theatre. Road2Home supports Whatcom County community members experiencing homelessness; fittingly, headliner Sam Miller will share his “personal journey through homelessness and the resilience he’s found through comedy.”
Skagit Regional Health’s 36th annual Festival of Trees happens from Nov. 29–Dec. 1 this year, and proceeds support Skagit Regional Health’s Family Birth Center at Skagit Valley Hospital. Gala guests can bid on “extravagantly decorated” Christmas trees at Saint Joseph Center on Nov. 29. Then, folks of all ages are invited to view the splendid trees on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 during the Family Festival Days event.
Every December, Skookum Kids partners with Hotel Bellwether for their annual Holiday Trees Celebration. Local businesses put their own spin on tree decorations, and community members are invited to vote for the most impressive display.
Lastly, Skagit Friendship House provides services for people experiencing homelessness in Skagit Valley. Beginning the third week of November, folks can donate to their “Season of Sharing” campaign when checking out at Haggen in Burlington. Donors can also give directly via their website.
Volunteer opportunities
The Volunteer Center of Whatcom County connects would-be volunteers with hundreds of nonprofit partners in Whatcom County. Right now they’re looking for volunteers to staff their 2024–2025 severe weather shelter; to stay updated on current needs, fill out a volunteer form at whatcomvolunteer.org.
The Whatcom Council on Aging needs volunteers not just during the holidays, but all year long. Their program Meals on Wheels and More provides upward of 2,000 seniors in Whatcom and San Juan counties with 200,000 nutritious meals each year. Additionally, Donor Engagement Director Nancy Hay noted the Bellingham Senior Activity Center is 98% volunteer-driven.
Lighthouse Mission Ministries is planning a private Christmas dinner this year, so they’re not accepting volunteers. However, the organization is looking for small groups to help decorate the facilities with holiday cheer.
The Bellingham Food Bank is looking for home delivery volunteers to drive food donations to roughly 900 homebound shoppers. Interested community members must be over 18, possess a vehicle and be available Friday mornings; visit bellinghamfoodbank.com for more details.
Cocoa Laney is CDN’s lifestyle editor; reach her at cocoalaney@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 128.
