Give More Than Presents

Five ways to help people in need

We all know that this is among the most difficult times economically in many years. More people than ever are struggling to meet basic needs: food, shelter, clothes, toys for the kids. (Yes, providing at least one toy for each kid at Christmas qualifies as “meeting basic needs.”)

Below are four holiday-themed ideas for how you can help. Of course, these are not the only options. This season, please give of yourself – your money, your time, or whatever you can spare – to whichever organization or cause you prefer that helps people in need. Thank you, and happy holidays.

“Wrapping Up the Holidays!“

When mom or dad is out of work, the children suffer. Mixx 96.1 asks you to open your hearts to the local children who need your help this holiday season! Donate generously to our “Wrapping up the Holidays” cash and toy drive! Alpine Experience will match the first $2,500 donated & O Bee Credit Union will match the next $3,000. Stop by on December 18th, from 6 AM-6 PM, on the corner of State & Washington in downtown Olympia. For more information, contact Mixx 96.1 at 360-943-9937 or visit www.mixx96.com/wrapping.

“Home Before the Holidays”

The Family Support Center, in collaboration with other homeless service providers and advocates, has launched “Home Before the Holidays,” to help provide housing assistance to homeless families this winter. All proceeds go directly to assist homeless parents obtain long-term housing. Through January 1. Donations should be mailed to The Family Support Center, PO Box 784, Olympia 98501. For more info, contact Patty Gregory 360-754-9297 ext. 206 or programmanager@familysupportctr.org.

Barb’s Family and Friends Holiday Meal

Barb’s Family and Friends are at Top Foods in Lacey every Saturday & Sunday from 1-5 PM accepting donations for their holiday meals program. They provide a free Holiday Meal, food baskets, clothing, linens, and gifts to the needy people of Thurston County. The meal will be December 19th, 2009, from Noon-6 PM, at United Churches, 110 11th Ave SE in Olympia. For more information, contact Matt Grate at 360-754-2868 or jimbojitsu@comcast.net, or go to www.facebook.com and search for Barb’s Family and Friends.

Donate to Local Charities Online!

You can now donate to “Wrapping Up the Holidays,” local food banks, or the United Way of Thurston County online! It’s easy. Go to O Bee Credit Union’s website below and click the “Donate Now” button under the piggy bank at the bottom of the page. Families in our community need your help now! Continues through December 31st. For more information, contact O Bee Credit Union at 360-943-0740 or obee@obee.com, or visit www.obee.com.

Winter Essentials Drive

AmeriCorps members from Community Youth Services are having a winter necessities drive. Please drop off items such as gloves, hats, scarves, thermal socks, long underwear, coats, snow pants, hand and foot warmers, padlocks or combination locks, sleeping bags, blankets, back packs, tents, toothbrushes and toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant, and first aid kits, at Family Support Center, YMCA, Tumwater Library, Lacey Library, Melinda’s Consignment, The Evergreen State College, St. Martin’s, First Christian Church, or Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. Continues through January 11. For more infomation, call Joy at (360)786-8907 x141 or Brittney & Brandon at (360)754-9297 x209.