Thinking about Christmas gift giving in a different kind of way

Mary Beth Harrington, CVA

This Thu., Dec. 16, from noon to 3 p.m., the community is invited to support the 13^th annual United Way of Thurston County's (UWTC) Drive-Up Shelter Shower. According to the UWTC website, Shelter Shower is when the community "showers" two local shelters with household goods. This year, UWTC has selected to shower SafePlace and Family Support Center of South Sound. Both organizations have detailed Wish Lists with items they need to support families in crisis — diapers, towels, laundry detergent, gift cards, children's books and more. For more event details including the wish lists and the donation form, go to https://www.unitedway-thurston.org/shelter-shower-drive-drop-event

Making Gift Wrapping Easier

In last week’s column, I mentioned that I try to leverage my gift giving by buying presents from nonprofits. This week, I am reminded of yet another reason it is so much better to buy gifts (especially gift certificates and donations in someone’s honor) via our local nonprofit organizations….it is far easier to wrap a gift certificate or a donation! (If you’re wondering where, it’s under a ton of holiday wrapping paper!)

Give An Experience

Give the gift of a theater experience to your loved ones. The Washington Center for the Performing Arts has gift certificates available online. You may choose any amount and you do not have to choose a particular show just got to https://ticketsales.washingtoncenter.org/online/giftCertificateDetails.asp.for all the details.

Give a Bit of History

If you are looking for a gift for a local history lover, check out local historian Don Trosper’s new book “The Tumwater We Never Knew.” The book raises funds for the Olympia Tumwater Foundation (OTF) to continue their local history programs highlighting the area’s significance in Pacific Northwest history. A copy may be reserved by calling the Schmidt House at 360.786.8117 or emailing them at history@olytumfoundation.org. (I hope my husband doesn’t read this).

Give a Gift You Made, or At Least Someone Did

If you have an original idea but you don’t have the tools to make your creation, check out The Lacey MakerSpace. Founded by the City of Lacey, Saint Martin's University, and Thurston Economic Development Council, the Lacey MakerSpace provides access to high-tech fabrication tools and training. According to their website “innovators can now get a ‘hand in’ to the local economy to realize their idea and start a business.”  If you are not feeling particularly creative, they also have an online store where you may purchase items produced by participants as well as gift certificates if you would like to encourage someone to get a membership or take a class. To shop online go to https://store.laceymakerspace.org/

Give to the Greater Good

If you are like me, sometimes it is hard to decide whom to support with so many worthy causes. When I cannot decide, I go to Greater Good, a one-stop site for supporting a diverse array of causes including Autism, Alzheimer’s, Diabetes, animal rescue, breast cancer, veterans, literacy, hunger, even the rainforest. For several years, I have used their ‘Shop to Give’ for gifts for family and friends. From apparel to jewelry and even household gifts you have the satisfaction of knowing your purchases fund programs that support people, pets, and the planet.

Give to the Greater Good Every Day

You can take it a step further by subscribing to their daily reminder newsletter which allows you to take actions (really it just means clicking a box) at one of the cause sites to raise funds (that are free to you!) to continue to benefit the causes you select. For instance, get the daily newsletter that supports animal shelters, click the designated box, and provide food for shelter animals. (One personal tip, you may want to be a bit selective as to which causes you select, otherwise you could get daily newsletter from nine different worthy causes). For more details on Greater Good, their Shop to Give or daily newsletter subscription go to https://greatergood.com/.

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