Holiday Helpings

Whether you’re donating time or resources the first time or are here to give seconds, thirds, or more, South Lake Union is home to many worthy causes that could use your assistance this season.

From jacket and blanket drives to volunteer gigs that help keep boats afloat, SLU has something for just about every giving plan. Here are five ways to make an impact over the holidays.

Aside from the typical cash donation option, FareStart features a very festive digital Giving Tree this holiday season. Head to this website and click on an ornament to provide gift cards that FareStart students use for goods or services like meals, haircuts, and interview clothing or other needs from the organization’s charity list.

While The Center for Wooden Boats is closed for the winter season (it reopens Wednesday, January 5), it still needs help since all its programming and operations are community supported. Donations are encouraged, but volunteers are also needed during the break to help with a variety of tasks. Sign up here.

WestSide Baby meets the basic needs of children to promote safety, security, and healthy development. Check out the organization’s Amazon Smile list for its most needed items like gloves, socks, and more, or make a cash donation.

Immanuel Community Services’ mission is to alleviate the effects of poverty, hunger, homelessness, and addiction by providing community-based social services to those in need. The SLU nonprofit has a ton of winter needs, including tents, sleeping bags, jackets, socks, and more. You can buy these items on your own and have them sent to ICS (1215 Thomas St, Seattle, WA 98109), or use its Amazon Smile list. Check out all of ICS’s needs here.

This holiday season, Mary’s Place is working towards a specific goal—raise $3.5 million with its No Child Sleeps Outside campaign. These critical funds will help keep families and children in their homes this winter or help them move back into housing quickly. The funds will also benefit Mary’s Place’s emergency family shelters. Read more about the campaign here.

The SLU Chamber of Commerce is a fantastic resource to help find giving opportunities. The chamber’s directory lists 26 nonprofit members. Browse the list and find a worthy cause to support this holiday season.