At press time tonight, Give Local has raised an impressive $705,281 so far, for local nonprofit organizations, thanks to 2,191 generous individual donations. I’m sure by the time you read this, the tally will have gone up.
It’s not too late to get donations to your favorite nonprofits (which probably include The JOLT News Organization!). The campaign continues through this Friday, November 22. Additionally, the Dawkins Charitable Trust has seeded the Give Local Bonus Fund with $100,000 to amplify donations and benefit every participating nonprofit. It's a great opportunity to make your gift go further and support your favorite causes.
The Christmas in the Forest event, a tradition hosted by Providence Southwest Washington Foundation, is back for its 36th year, continuing to raise vital funds for programs that support the health and well-being of the local community. Over the past three decades, this event has raised more than $13.6 million to provide essential services across the region.
Christmas in the Forest 2024 is focused on Women & Infant Health service initiative. The goal is to support the dedicated care Providence offers to women and newborns, ensuring every family receives the best possible care through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Local hospitals, including Providence St. Peter Hospital and Centralia Hospital, are vital in delivering thousands of babies each year, with specialized care options to support high-risk pregnancies and premature births.
Donations will fund adolescent obstetric services at St. Peter Family Medicine Clinic, lactation support, newborn sleep aids, and specialized medical equipment for high-risk deliveries. Funding will also go toward the Kaleidoscope Play and Learn program, an early childhood development initiative that partners Providence with the Child Care Action Council to offer coaching and education to local families.
Registration for the gala this Saturday is closed, but Christmas in the Forest is way more than just a dinner. It is a fun community celebration with entertainment, live performances, and family-friendly activities. The entertainment and fun can be found at Great Wolf Lodge on Sunday, November 24, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This year’s event includes a vibrant lineup of performances in the Ballroom, starting with the Tubapalooza Brass Choir and the River Ridge High School Jazz Ensemble in the morning, followed by a series of performances by local groups, such as the South Sound Community Orchestra and Olympia Youth Chorus.
Kids’ Day is packed with free activities and crafts for the younger attendees, thanks to the Hands On Children’s Museum. My highlight will be the chance to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus! You can see the schedule of events here.
If you aren’t able to attend the gala dinner or all the fun on Sunday, you can still participate. The Providence Christmas in the Forest Raffle tickets are available for just $5, and prizes include a beautifully decorated 7-foot tree, a professionally designed wreath, a family stay at Great Wolf Lodge, and a "Best Friends Getaway" package with dining and accommodations at Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel. There is also online bidding for auction items that opens tomorrow, Wednesday, November 20 at 9 a.m., so you can start bidding on unique items before the event begins. Don’t miss the opportunity to preview the live auction items and place your bids online!
Christmas in the Forest is a time for the community to come together, enjoy festive entertainment, and support a cause that touches the lives of so many. Your generosity will directly impact women’s health services, family support programs, and specialized newborn care across Southwest Washington. Let me know if you win anything in the raffle.
Zach Davis-Price is a man of many interests, especially the workings and activities of local nonprofit organizations and volunteer programs. He lives in Tumwater. Send him a note at zach@theJOLTnews.com.
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