Brighten and bring hope to the holidays for neighbors young and old

Mary Beth Harrington, CVA

This column is brief, but I want to just take a moment to shine a light on a few very different ways that you can brighten someone’s day during this time of year.

Light of Hope for Our Aging Neighbors

Lewis Mason Thurston Area on Aging (LMTAAA) connects vulnerable adults with information and social and health services that help them remain in their homes. They also support people who provide informal caregiving assistance to family members or friends. According to LMTAAA, most clients have very modest means combined with health conditions that limit their ability to care for themselves.  

Every year, LMTAAA organizes the Light of Hope program, where financial donations fulfill client wishes that would otherwise go unmet. This year the agency is doing things a little bit differently. LMTAAA is purchasing gift cards so all participating clients will have the ability to buy the holiday wish items of their choice.

All financial donations will be pooled and used to purchase gift cards of the same amount, meaning the more raised, the bigger the impact on participating client’s lives this holiday season. Donations are tax-deductible and donations will go towards helping clients manage unexpected personal expenses during the rest of the year. For more information, or to donate, click here.

Brighten the Holiday for Our Younger Neighbors

Community Youth Services (CYS) believes in the power of every young person to achieve safety, stability, a sense of belonging, and success. According to Victoria Wortberg, Community Engagement Director, since 1970, CYS has offered its services in the South Puget Sound area.

They currently offer over 20 programs including support for those experiencing homelessness and needing behavioral health services. “We are unique in our ability to provide comprehensive, integrated, and wraparound services that build strong bonds of support and empower young people to triumph.” This time of year, CYS helps young people in “out-of-home situations,” such as foster care, shelters, and transitional housing, experience the joy of receiving holiday gifts and the comfort of warm, weather-appropriate clothing. Here are a few ideas:

• Brighten the Holidays: Select a family/individual through the CYS website to provide holiday cheer. Visit org/winterwonders You can also participate if you hate to shop. A donation enables CYS staff to purchase gifts on your behalf. Visit communityyouthservices.org/donate
• Give the gift of warmth! Youth served by CYS can face cold, wet winters without proper clothing. You can help by collecting new or barely used warm, weather-appropriate clothing and hygiene items. Focus on sizes L-4X for men and include haircare items for natural hair. Beyond warm clothing, consider contributing hygiene products, blankets, and sleeping bags.
  Your generosity preserves dignity and comfort. Check the CYS Winter Wonders Amazon Wishlist for more ideas.
  Organize “Team Drives” with your work, church, or community group. For more information, contact Sarah Hodge at 360-918-7881 or email shodge@communityyouthservices.org.

Shine a Light on Our Philanthropic Neighbors

There are just a few days left to submit your nominations for the Washington State Volunteer Service Awards. Nominate a volunteer or community helper who has made a difference. Any individual or group who performed any type of service--formal or non-formal during 2023 can be nominated. Submit your nomination by 5 p.m. Friday, December 22. Read more about the awards and get answers to FAQs. Serve Washington held an informational session about the awards process, nomination form, and guidelines. View the session on YouTube.

Quiz: What Do You Really Know About Charitable Giving?

I recently saw this quiz in an AARP email and was stumped by some of the answers! Here’s your chance to try your luck. Click here to take the quiz. Let me know how you do!

Soliciting your ideas

If you know of a nonprofit that is doing something great, celebrating a success, needs some outstanding volunteers, or hosting an event, let me know! This column (aside from a little education) celebrates nonprofits!

Mary Beth Harrington, CVA (Certified Volunteer Administrator) lives in Tumwater. She travels the country speaking at conferences and to individual organizations articulating issues facing nonprofits. Send your ideas to her at  MaryBeth@theJOLTnews.com