While the holidays are about friends and family, merry times, company parties and piping hot drinks, the holidays are also about finding a way to give to the needy, the homeless and less fortunate. Below is a list of local agencies that are doing just that; providing and facilitating a way for the public to help the thousands in need during the holidays. All of the following organizations need: High-protein foods (canned tuna, peanut butter, beef stew, canned or dry beans, canned nuts); children's favorites (macaroni and cheese, canned or boxed juices, Enfamil infant formula, diapers); canned foods (fruit, vegetables, soup, tomato products) and dry goods (rice, pasta, cereal, crackers, oatmeal, spices). Also special holiday food items such as yams and olives and baking ingredients such as evaporated milk, baking mixes, sugar and flour; and gift certificates for grocery stores are always welcomed. For a comprehensive list of food banks in the Seattle area, follow this link:

The following are other charities accepting food, clothing, and monetary donations:

Food Lifeline
"Food Lifeline is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending hunger in Western Washington. Food Lifeline makes every penny count. 90% of the food we receive from local, state and national contributors is donated, allowing us to provide nine dollars worth of food to hungry people for every donated dollar." Donate online.

Northwest Harvest
"In 1967, Seattle community members created Northwest Harvest to feed the hungry. Today we continue to fight hunger across Washington State through our network of partner food banks, providing millions of nutritious meals each year to those in need.
We are Washington’s own statewide hunger relief agency. We still serve Seattle, but we don’t stop there. Northwest Harvest secures 18 million pounds of nutritious food each year for distribution to nearly 300 food programs across Washington State, serving 36 of Washington’s 39 counties."
Donate online.

Hopelink
"Since 1971, Hopelink has served homeless and low income families, children, seniors and people with disabilities. Hopelink’s mission is to promote self-sufficiency for all members of our community; we help people make lasting change.
Hopelink emergency service centers are located in Bellevue, Kirkland, Northshore, Redmond, Shoreline and Sno-Valley." Donate online.

United Way of King County
"United Way of King County mobilizes our community in ways that no single agency, individual, or government can to enhance the ability of people to care for one another." Donate online.

Emergency Feeding Program
"Hunger is not the only problem, Hunger is often a symptom for people in greater crisis of poverty, substance abuse, domestic violence, or chronic unemployment. That is why we work in collaboration with over 200 social service agencies that cover the whole spectrum of human services. These agencies provide information on other community resources to help guide people toward longer range assistance, and hopefully help move them quickly towards independence." Donate online.

Union Gospel Mission
"Seattle's Union Gospel Mission is an expanding Evangelical Christian ministry serving the Greater Seattle community. By sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit, we are meeting the spiritual, social and physical needs of people. Seattle's Union Gospel Mission serves an ever-changing society through direct rescue mission work. As God leads, we partner with churches, individuals and organizations to maximize our total effectiveness." Donate online.

Seattle Bravest (Formerly Seattle Firefighters Benevolent Association)
"Seattle's Bravest Charity was created after the 1995 fire deaths of four Seattle Firefighters at the Pang Warehouse Fire. Due to the overwhelming generosity of the community, over $500,000 was donated to care for fallen firefighter’s families that were left behind.
Originally known as "Seattle Firefighter's Benevolent Association," it has since grown into an organization with a broad scope, capable of providing support to our community and entities within the Seattle Fire Department." Donate Online. 

Lifelong AIDS Alliance
"Lifelong AIDS Alliance was formed in 2001 through the merger of Chicken Soup Brigade and Northwest AIDS Foundation. We’ve come a long way since our beginnings in 1983, when a soup can was passed around Volunteer Park and collected the first $42 to help people living with HIV/AIDS in our community.
Today, we are staffers, volunteers, donors and community members from many different backgrounds. We are united in our determination to make sure that we never forget that HIV/AIDS still exists. We will be here until there is a cure." Donate online.

Treehouse
"Since 1988, Treehouse has filled the gaps for kids in foster care, providing services that no other agency addresses: money for extra-curricular activities and summer camp, professional educational support services, resources to fully participate in the everyday activities of growing up, clothing and supplies to help them fit in at school." Donate Online.

Holiday Volunteering Opportunities Around Seattle

This holiday season be a time of sadness and frustration too many people this year, exacerbated in no small part by the recent economic implosion. But even if all you can spare is your own two hands, that’s plenty. Volunteering is not only free; it’s also more meaningful than any material present you could possibly give.

1. Deliver Thanksgiving Meals to the Elderly
Help a senior citizen by picking up a Thanksgiving meal and delivering it to them. Afterwards you spend an hour visiting with them. Volunteers must complete volunteer application, criminal history disclosure and background check. Must provide own transportation
Age Appropriate for: 26 – 55 +
When: November 27th
Time: 9:30 am to 11:30 am
Contact: Ginger Seybold, Volunteer Coordinator, 206-224-3790
Put on by: ElderHealth Northwest


2. Thanksgiving Morning Distribution
The food bank needs your help restocking shelves as families come and get the supplies they need to have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Age Appropriate for: 26 – 55 +
When: November 25th
Where: 710 S. 2nd St., Renton, WA 98057
Time: 9 am to Noon
Contact: D.J. Svenson, Administrative Assistant, 425-255-5974
Put on by: The Salvation Army

3. YMCA Young Adult Services Center Holiday Party
For many foster and homeless children holidays are a painful time because they have no family of their own. The Center strives to provide a supportive atmosphere during this time by serving as a safe and stable place. Volunteer at their annual party which will have food, games, and gifts.
Age Appropriate for: 18 – 54
When: December 18, 2008
Where: 2100 24th Ave S, ste. 250, Seattle, WA 98144
Time: 3-6pm
Contact: Charmaigne Jones, Resource Specialists 206-49-7540
Put on by the YMCA

4. Holiday Stockings For Homeless Children
This group of elves aims to “…provide a holiday stocking for every homeless child in the Puget Sound area--this spans from children birth to 17 years.” Each one is stuffed with a mix of utilitarian goods and presents. The December 12th opportunity is helping to set up with the event, and on the 13th they will be stuffing stockings.
Age Appropriate for: 10 – 55 +
When: December 12th & December 13th
Where: U.S. Coast Guard Base, Pier 36, 1519 Alaskan Way S., Seattle, WA 98134
Time: 2-6pm & 10 am to 12 noon
Contact: Jan Maxson, Co-president
Put on by: Coast Guard Family And Friends Holiday Stockings For Homeless Children

5. Sort Donated Childrens' Items for Eastside Babies
Help this charity by sorting clothes by gender, size and type for babies. There will also be opportunities to fill orders for children.
Age Appropriate for: 13 – 55 +
Where: 1510 NW Maple Street, Issaquah, WA 98027
Contact: Karen Ridlon, President, 425-865-0234
Put on by: Eastside Baby Corner

6. Woodinville Light Festival 2008
During the festival weekend people will be needed for a variety of tasks. On the fourth pre-event set up is needed. On the fifth you can choose from one of the following: greeters, elf rovers, live stage/choir monitor, info desk or activities assistants. Two adult volunteers are needed for the sixth to assist with swing dancing. Age Appropriate for: 16 – 55 +
When: December 4th - December 6th
Where: Carol Edwards Center, 17401 133rd Avenue NE, Woodinville, WA 98072
Time: 5 – 10pm
Contact: Patrick Tefft, Volunteer Coordinator, 425-877-2289
Put on by: City of Woodinville

7. Gift Wrapping for Purrfect Pals
The organization recommends that this activity been done with a friend, and that volunteers are very friendly as they need to actively seek customers in Barnes and Noble stores to donate money in exchange for gift wrapping.
Age Appropriate for: 13 – 55 +
When: December 6th & December 21st
Where: U.S. Coast Guard Base, Pier 36, 1519 Alaskan Way S., Seattle, WA 98134
Time: 10:30 am to 4 pm
Contact: Shay Kelly, Volunteer Coordinator, 360-652-9611 ext 16
Put on by: Purrfect Pals

8. Salvation Army Christmas Distribution
The Renton Salvation Army needs 15 volunteers over the course of the weekend to assist with distributing goods to families. Training will be provided that weekend and participation will consist mainly of helping families choose what they want and taking it to their car.
Age Appropriate for: 13 – 55 +
When: December 18th & December 19th
Where: 710 S. 2nd St., Renton, WA 98057
Time: 8:30 am to 5 pm
Contact: D.J. Svenson, Administrative Assistant, 425-255-5974
Put on by: The Salvation Army

9. Giving Tree
Giving trees are deceptively simple—it actually takes a lot of work to prepare them. Volunteers are needed for gift wrapping from December 12th through the 22nd. Cookie creators will be needed to bake goodies that will be send out in appreciation to donors, from December 7th through 9th, and again from the 12th to the 15th.
Age Appropriate for: 13 – 55 +
Where: 16225 NE 87th ST, Suite A6, Redmond, WA 98052
Time: 8 am to 5 pm
Contact: Cheryl Schnelle, Volunteer Coordinator, 425-869-6490 ext 309
Put on by: Friends of Youth - King County


10. Decorate Senior Citizen’s Homes
Head out to Issaquah to help decorate elderly citizen’s homes that have their own decorations, but not the full ability to put them up.
Age Appropriate for: 13 – 55+
Contact: Margie Costello, Volunteer Coordinator at 425-391-2817
Put on by: Faith In Action


*All volunteering opportunities were taken from the United Way of King County’s website.