We have had a lot of fun already this holiday season, but this is also the time to share those good times with others.
You may have noticed that the Jolt runs a list of mini-libraries in our communities daily. The one below caught my attention. I love this idea and can only imagine the enjoyment it brings both to the “Santa” reading and answering the letters and the children writing them and receiving them. Below is something grandparents can share with their grandchildren.
Posted in the Best of Olympia Facebook: Here's how it'll work.
Bring your kiddos to get a book at Leilonie's Little Library and drop off your letter to Santa in the Red Mailbox. Within 48 hours Santa will have sent back a letter to your kiddo to be picked up in the Red Mailbox. No need for postage or addresses since the letters will be dropped off and picked up in the same location.
Please make sure kiddos name is printed clearly somewhere on the letter to Santa so the return letter can have the proper spelling of their name.
**Note to parents, if you would like the original letter returned with Santa's response, or would like to make other arrangements to get kiddos letter back for keepsake reasons, please message the page so.
My personal preference when donating is to give to an organization that does not re-sell the items. A few good examples are below:
Home Instead’s "Be a Santa to a Senior" is celebrating its 20th year. The program began in 2003 as a way to bring a bit of Holiday cheer to Seniors who may not otherwise receive anything for Christmas. Each year, a low-income Senior community is chosen and donations are collected, wrapped and delivered.
They ask for things like blankets, puzzles and games, sweets, socks, hats and gloves, flashlights, or any other useful or fun items.
Donations can be left at the Cutter's Point locations on Ruddell Rd at Yelm Hwy or by the Lacey Post Office. The 13th is the deadline, but we could probably extend to accept things dropped off on the 14th before 3 p.m., according to Susi Mantyla. Then the gift bags will be assembled and delivered on the 18th. Contact for more information is below:
Susi Mantyla
Home Instead®
Telephone 360-570-0049
susan.mantyla@homeinstead.com
The Union Gospel Mission accepts the following donations: coats, blankets, sleeping bags, gym socks, tents, personal-size hygiene supplies (toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors, deodorant, etc.), gently used towels, backpacks and breakfast food items. and clothing. Donations are accepted Monday – Friday between the hours of 9am – 5pm.
They also provide the following:
Hot Meals: M-F 6:30 a.m., Noon, 5:00 p.m. | Sat Brunch 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. | Sun 7:30 a.m. & Noon
Hot Showers: M 12 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. , T-F, 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Laundry: T-F, 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Clothing Bank: M W F, 10:00 a.m. – noon, 1:00 p.m. -3:00 p.m.
Free dental and vision centers.
Church services are held weekly on Sundays at 1:30 with praise and worship and teaching. Contact Steve Smith for more information at 360.709.9725.
If you would like to hold a class, lead music, or offer another ministry in the LTC, please contact Karen Robbins at 360.709.9725.
Open seven days a week from 8 p.m. – 4:30 a.m.
In 2017 the Mission opened its’ first Cold Weather Shelter, operating just during the winter months. The following November the shelter opened again with the plan to close it in March when the weather warmed up, but that didn’t happen.
“I began to observe that we were sheltering many people with chronic health conditions, including battling cancer, and in general, older folks. Half the population had some degree of physical disability and no place to go,” shared Skip Steffen, Executive Director. From then on, the shelter has been open nightly.
The shelter is completely financed through the generosity of donors. If you would like to give, donate today.
Donating items: Coffee, sugar, brown sugar, creamer, shelf-stable milk, pancake mix, biscuit mix, rolled oats. Items such as cheese, milk, and meat are always needed. Ongoing shelter needs include camping mats and adult sleeping bags.
Traditional holiday food items would be most welcome!
Kathleen Anderson writes this column each week from her home in Olympia. Contact her at kathleen@theJOLTnews.com or post your comment below.
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