Barb’s Family and Friend’s is a 501(c)3 tax exempt nonprofit organization that has been serving Thurston County for 40 years.
Founder Barbara O’Neill started the tradition of serving free holiday meals when she invited a coworker and her family to her home for Thanksgiving dinner when she heard they intended to share a pancake for the holiday.
Before long, the annual holiday meals became too big for Barb’s home and they were moved to her soul food restaurant in downtown Olympia, Barb’s BBQ Soul Cuisine and Catering. The tradition grew to include Thanksgiving and Christmas, and eventually it moved from Barb’s restaurant to United Churches, where there was more room. Now, about 2,500 meals are served each year.
The programs were expanded to include offering food baskets, warm clothing and blankets at Thanksgiving and toys for kids, gifts for parents, clothing, coats, blankets and food baskets at Christmas dinner.
The Furniture Bank was established in 1996, giving donated furniture to those in need. It gives away approximately 1,000 items annually.
The organization needs monetary donations, volunteers, food and furniture. To help a family at Christmas or for information and donations, call Mily O’Neill at 360-786-9835.
Barb’s Family & Friends also is looking for sponsors for the following three families:
Family 1: Mom and Dad both under employed, with three kids. Mom needs bath towels, hand towels and washcloths. Dad needs warm socks and work gloves. Eight-year-old girl clothing size 7/8, needs warm clothes, socks, underwear and gloves. Wants a pillow pet. Loves Disney movies and Hanna Montana and Taylor Swift music; 3-year-old girl clothing size 4, needs warm clothes, socks, underwear and hat/scarf/gloves. Wants a pillow pet, loves Dora the Explorer, Tinkerbell and thick page books; baby boy clothing size 6-9 months, needs warm clothes, and hats.
Family 2: Single mom with two kids. Five-year-old boy clothing size 4, needs warm clothes, socks, underwear, coat, hat and gloves. Wants a pillow pet. Loves super heros and Hot Wheels toy cars; 3-year-old girl clothing size 4, needs warm clothes, socks, underwear, coat, hat and gloves. Wants a pillow pet. Loves stars, bugs, sparkles, bright colors and thick page books.
Family 3: Older single woman needs jeans size 10 tall, size medium hooded sweatshirts, warm socks, toilet paper, shampoo/conditioner, soap, feather pillows, egg timer, cookie sheet, glass pie pan.
CITY GATES MINISTRIES
City Gates Ministries is a faith-based outreach program operating in Thurston County since 1995, and has been an IRS approved non-profit corporation since 2005. City Gates Ministries serves low-income families, families fallen on hard times, the elderly, the homeless and the disabled. Its mission is to help those in hardship and emergency situations.
It distributes basic necessities of life (help with rent and utilities, food, clothes, sleeping bags, tents, hygiene items). It also needs financial partners. To learn more about City Gates Ministries, and to sponsor its families this year, go to www.citygatesministries.org, or call 360-705-0291.
Family 1: Charissa C. is a single mom with two daughters who just survived cancer and has lifelong health issues to face.
Charissa would like queen-sized sheets, pans, body wash, Sweet Pea perfume, microwave, shirts 2XL; daughter Desiree, 12, would like a scooter, bookshelf, journal, dress shoes, women’s size 11, and a guitar (wood); daughter Mackalee, 10, would like a scooter, anything Littlest Pet Shop, art kit, crayons and markers, and perfume.
Family 2: Denise B. is a single working mom with two young sons. Denise would like queen-sized bedding (brown, gold, or black), wall pictures, art, art pads/supplies, kitchen utensils (any), bathroom supplies (any); Shawn, son, age 9, would like miniature model bikes called “Flip Tricks,” “Tech Deck” miniature model skateboards, Cookie Monster clothes, hats, T-shirts (pants boys size 16-18, shirts boys M-L, shoes size 7), big warm coat; size 7 shoes white, remote control cars; Trevon, son, age 11, would like Elmo outfit (hat, shirt) pants boys size 16, Boys M shirt, shoes 71/2, big warm coat, remote control car, Legos (Prince of Persia).
Family 3: Karis is a working single mom with a 2-year old daughter. Karis would like a winter coat, pink or black, size 2x, yarn and crochet hooks, black construction work boots in women’s size 10, queen size comforter or sheets, pink, black or dark green; Nyomi, daughter, age 2, needs diapers size 5 or 6, socks 18-36 months, Dora (anything), “The Wiggles” DVD or books, building blocks.
Family 4: Zina D. is single working mom with three teenage daughters. Zina would like a pancake griddle, rice cooker, and black work boots, flat size 10 women’s; Denzel, son, age 17, would like a gift card to Target, PS3 Black Ops game; Chantae and Nia, daughters, age 13, would like DSI game system, jewelry, nail polish or lip gloss, skinny jeans, size 9 girls.
Family 5: This is a hard-working family who ask for a blessing. Dad, Joe, would like a winter jacket, size 3X; mom would like a vacuum cleaner; grandma Sherrie would like pots, pans, etc.; Ashley, daughter, age 7, would like toys, anything princess, size 9 girls pants, size L-XL children’s shirts; Joshua, son, age 5, would like toys, transformers or Hot Wheels, size 7 shirts.
Family 6: These working parents can’t afford to have a Christmas for their family. Dad, Mike, would just like things for his kids; mom, Angela, would like art supplies (drawing or painting); Vlad, son, age 21/2, needs size 2T-3T clothes, learning toys, books, art, cars, transformers anything, size 11 rain boots; Odin, son, age 3 wears size 4T-5T clothes, and needs size 12 rain boots, learning toys, books, art, cars, likes transformers.
Family 7: Connie, a single mom trying to find work in a tough economy, would appreciate a gift for her 13-year-old son for Christmas. Jesse, 13, wears size 30/30 pants, 91/2 shoes; he likes video games, art, football and likes to study foreign cultures.
Family 8: Debbie B. is a grandmother who cares for several family members: Marie, age 35, wears size 8 shoes, size medium sweat suit, socks, Straight-Talk phone card from Walmart; Debbie, age 52, female, wears size 81/2 shoes, sweats size 3X, and would like socks, Net 10 phone card; Levi age 18, male; wears size 13 shoes, size 40/32 jeans, and would like socks, Straight-Talk phone card from Walmart; Angel, age 15, male. wears size 11 shoes, 2X shirts, 40/30 jeans, and would like socks and an iPod Shuffle; Marcus, age 5, male, wears size 8 clothes, size 13 shoes, and would like socks, and a remote control Jeep.
Family 9: Felicia is a single mom with a 2-year-old toddler and 7-month-old baby girl. Felicia would like pajamas, size 11-12, extra large shirts, 18-24 months boy’s clothes, basketball, trucks and cars, Playskool people and animals, size 6-9 months girl clothes, baby socks, baby books and infant toys.
Family 10: Amy & Brandon P. lead a family of five; both love to read books, and two sons would like new bedding for their twin beds, solid colors (no cartoon patterns please), daughter has a full bed and likes red and purple. The family enjoys games, and arts and crafts.
Family 11: Corene S. is a single woman; needs blankets, size 7-8 slippers, size 3X house coat, and size 3X warm sweats.
Family 12: Jennifer S.: Single mom of three children suffering with life medical issues.
Mom loves to draw and scrapbook. Little girl needs size 12 – 18 months, and two boys size 8 and 12 need pajamas, shirts and pants, also would like Legos and Transformers.
Family 13: Robin and Lara take in a lot of homeless youth who otherwise would have no place to go: Rayan, teen female, would like a camera, bed, comforter, size 8 skinny jeans, size 8 shirts, size 21/2 shoes; Delysia, teen female, would like a comforter, nice basketball, size 7 jeans, medium shirts, size 61/2 shoes; Carrigen, male age 14 would like a comforter; Jordan, 14, male, would like a coat, size 14-16, size 14 jeans; Josh, 19, would like a comforter, snap back stocking hats either Bulls or Lakers, size 111/2 shoes.; PJ, teen male, would like a comforter, size XL warm clothes; Lara, teen, would like a Saint Christopher necklace, nice comforter, and a nice cross necklace for my mother and to thank you for all you do.
Family 14: Angela B. is a single parent living on a limited income. Justin, age 15, needs clothes, size 34/30 jeans, size XL shirt, size M pajamas, Evanescence CD, Pokemon Ranger Guardian signs, Bakugaun Dragonoid Colasis, and cologne; Adrianna, age 11, girl, needs clothes, size 10 pajamas, All-Star Weekend CD, art supplies, make-up, hair pretties, silly bands; Angela, age 34, would like a Fashion Bug gift card, silverware, coffee pot, toaster oven, Queen Latifah perfume, slippers size 9-11, hair scrunchies.
Family 15: Joseph and Shawna T. needs boys clothes 10-12 husky, size 5 boys shoes, pull-on skaters and dress, electronic reading and math tools, clean games for six-year-old. Mom would like a certificate for a neck and shoulder massage as she has metal implants that are painful. Dad is praying for a new job (retraining interest are social work, Web design, welding, early childhood development).
Family 16: Anna B.’s husband of 34 years was diagnosed with liver cancer and needs a transplant. Desperately in need of a motor home to live in for at least three months while going through medical procedures. If there is anyone who would be willing to donate or loan a self-contained motor home in good condition, please respond.
Family 17: JC R. is a single dad. Cheyanna, girl, age 14 would like a fashion design CD Rom, lap top, worship CDs, rock, country, rap, Matis Yaba; Boston, boy, age 11 would like a palm pilot, Nintendo D.S. (Pokémon Ranger), Play Station; Journey, girl, age 10, would like books and DVDs about animals, a horse, Nintendo video games, nail polish and moon sand.
Family 18: Tiffany is a single mom of two trying to make ends meet. Kadoka, 21-month-old boy, needs 3T cloths, size 7 shoe, Leap Frog (toddler age activity system), big crayons, finger paint paper, ball, toddler bedding set (car, dog or cat print); Alana, 1 month baby girl, needs 3-6 month clothing, Tummy Time play mat, crib mobile, books, hair bows, etc., size 1-2 diapers, and bottles.
FAMILY EDUCATION AND SUPPORT SERVICES
Family Education and Support Services is a community-based, nonprofit 501(c) 3 organization supporting families by offering a variety of parent education and support programs in Thurston, Mason, Lewis and Pierce counties.
The families highlighted below are enrolled in the Parents as Teachers evidence-based home visitation program. The organization also needs gift cards from Target, Walmart or local grocery stores; diapers and wipes and other new baby items. Checks should be made out to Family Education and Support Services. For more information, or to adopt a family, call Linda at 360-481-1572.
Family 1: Mom is a single parent with a 9-month-old boy who would like books, early learning toys and puzzles. Mom is a survivor of domestic violence and has recently returned to college with a goal to get her BA. The family also needs household basics.
Family 2: This young family has a 21-month-old son who likes books and toys that he can take apart and put back together. Dad is unemployed, and Mom is working part time. Family also needs household necessities, including laundry detergent, dish soap and toilet paper.
Family 3: A young family with a 3-year-old girl and a 16-month-old boy. The little girl likes dolls and books and needs warm clothes. The little boy also needs warm clothes and would like educational toys.
Family 4: This young couple is unemployed but actively seeking work. They have a daughter, age 3 and a 5-month-old baby boy. Both children need warm clothes. The little girl is in need of shoes, size 10. Both children like any kind of educational toys. The family would appreciate basic household staples and food.
Family 5: Mom is a single parent raising two daughters, ages 41/2 and 3. The 41/2-year-old would like ballerina slippers and a ballet DVD. The 3-year-old likes play dough, paints and arts and crafts. Mom is transitioning from temporary housing to a home for all three of them. The family could use kitchen supplies, dishes, cooking and eating utensils.
Family 6: This young family has two children, a boy who is 5 and a little girl who is 1. Both children need winter coats and socks. The boy likes Transformers and the little girl likes educational toys and books. Mom and Dad have recently established permanent housing after living in a homeless shelter and have regained custody of their 5-year-old son. The family could use baking dishes and an electric hand mixer.
Family 7: This young couple has two children, a boy who is 1, and a girl who is 6. Both children need twin-sized bedding and would like books and educational toys. The family also needs two baby gates.
Family 8: Young single mom with two children, a 5-year-old girl and a 17-month-old boy with developmental delays because of an eating disorder and autism. A twin bed and bedding is needed for the girl, and Mom would like sign language books and other early learning activity toys for her son. Grocery gift cards would also be appreciated.
Family 9: Single 17-year-old teen mom with 51/2 month-old twin boys would like any learning toys that do not include batteries (wooden cars, blocks, etc.). The boys need warm clothes and cloth diapers. While Mom has no family support, she is working hard to establish her independence and has permanent housing; she’s going back to school and works part time to help support the boys and herself.
Family 10: Young family with 1-year-old baby girl. She needs pajamas, a toy box, chunky puzzles and a portable high chair. Dad is in the Army and has returned from Iraq and the family is now getting re-acquainted.
Family 11: Single teen mom with a 2-year-old girl and expecting a baby boy in December. The 2-year-old is developmentally delayed because of premature birth and other health issues. Onesies, gowns and socks are needed for the new baby, and the little girl needs jeans, shirts and socks.
Family 12: Homeless mom with 3-year-old daughter who would like books and warm clothes. The little girl is living with grandparents until mom obtains stable housing.
Family 13: Single mom has three children: one girl, age 8, and two boys, ages 4 and 3. Mom also has custody of her granddaughter, age 4. Children need snow boots, warm socks and clothes. Both girls like Littlest Pet Shops. Boys like “things that go.” Mom is survivor of domestic violence.
Family 14: Young teen parents of 1-month-old baby girl. She needs warm hat, socks and sleepers. Mom would appreciate a gift card to Judy’s Intimate Apparel for nursing bras.
LEWIS MASON THURSTON AREA AGENCY ON AGING
Information and assistance/case management, a program of the Lewis-Mason-Thurston Area Agency on Aging, provides information on and assistance with accessing a variety of social and health services helping vulnerable adults who struggle to remain in their homes. Most clients are low income and have severe impairments affecting their ability to perform basic day-to-day activities. Many have substantial needs that go beyond services available through community resources.
In addition to these needs listed below, the Area Agency on Aging maintains a Special Assistance Fund that helps these adults year around with basics such as food, utility bills, housing and medications in emergency situations. At this time of year, donations also are accepted and distributed for client specific but less emergent needs. Many of the disabled and/or elderly people have incomes that afford only the most basic of needs. Warm clothing and much-needed household items are often outside of their budgets. Many clients have pets that are often their only source of companionship. Pet food, veterinary gift certificates and litter will be used all year long. Please call before you purchase to check that the client hasn’t already been provided for by others.
To make a donation to one of these families, or to make a general donation to the Special Assistance Fund, call 360-664-3162 ext.133 in Thurston County and 360-427-2225 ext.101 in Mason County. Your donations are tax-deductible.
Client 1: Was a counselor until she had a series of strokes leaving her unable to continue working. Before the strokes she was a hardworking, vital part of the community. She also suffers from diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, making breathing difficult. She requests a vacuum with extending attachments allowing her to keep her home as dust free as possible. If the attachments hooked to the body of the vacuum, it would require less space and she wouldn’t lose the pieces.
Client 2: A 53-year-old gentleman living alone on a fixed income. His chronic back pain and a recent fall that caused an additional compression fracture to his back severely limit his mobility and ability to function. His health problems have contributed to anxiety and depression. To help alleviate these, he’s requesting a DVD player and some comedy DVDs. Additionally, a relaxation CD would help him manage his chronic pain.
Client 3: A couple living in rural Thurston County, both of whom have several health issues. They are finding their fragile medical conditions adversely affected by dust and mold. They are requesting cleaning supplies, which they’re unable to purchase with their small incomes. Their dream gift would be a Shark steam mop.
Client 4: An elderly woman living alone struggling to make ends meet each month on her small income. She is the kind of person who, despite her own needs, in previous years has requested yarn so she could knit warm and cheerful hats for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. She has severe digestive problems that have sent her to the hospital with malnutrition and dehydration because of her digestive system’s inability to keep food down. The Boost or Ensure drinks that her doctor prescribes are no longer covered by her insurance. She would be so appreciative of a donation of these liquid supplements that she requires but cannot afford.
Client 5: A 53-year-old mother who raised four children by herself. Now they are taking care of their mom and putting themselves through college. She has serious medical issues that make breathing difficult and because of liver failure, she is in need of a transplant. She would love to get a gift card to a local bookstore, enabling her to buy books for her daughters. For herself she only requests some new underwear and socks.
Client 6: A lady who lives all by herself, trying to stay afloat financially while on a small fixed income. Health challenges limit her activities of daily living. She’d like a gift card so she can purchase winter clothes to keep her warm during the cold winter months.
Client 7: A 64-year-old woman who lives with pain every day from osteoarthritis. Her bones are extremely fragile and she’s fractured 19 of them, causing a battle to maintain functional ability. She would appreciate help feeding her cats as they bring such joy into her life. Dry cat food and kitty litter and a gift card to Petsmart top her wish list. Her income is limited so that purchasing the necessities of life is difficult so she also requests a bulk package of toilet paper.
Client 8: A 49-year-old woman who is wheelchair bound because of a stroke six years ago and determined to walk again through physical therapy. Getting around in her wheelchair is difficult because she lives in a trailer. She asks for a gift card to Walmart to by necessary items for her home as well as groceries.
Client 9: Lives with multiple medical problems including cerebral palsy. He has limited mobility but wants to be as independent as possible. When he was younger, he was able to work despite his cerebral palsy, but has recently been hospitalized because of his insulin dependent diabetes. He requests a warm king-sized comforter and sheet set so he can be comfortable this winter without running up his electric bill.
Client 10: A woman with muscular dystrophy who suffers from depression as well. She lives alone and all she is asking for this holiday season is a new iron so her clothes will look neat and tidy.
Client 11: A Mason County 47-year-old female with musculoskeletal issues who resides on a tribal reservation on Supplemental Security Income. She has mobility issues and relies on a power chair. Client has not always been able to get to phone on time. She would like a cordless phone system so she would always have access to her phone. Gift card and gift baskets also would be appreciated.
Client 12: A 49-year-old quadriplegic male. He and his cat live in a senior housing complex in Mason County that is requesting that apartments be cleaned approximately yearly, professionally. He states he would like to have this done but does not have the money for this.
He is requesting a gift certificate to cover the cost of a carpet cleaning service with a reliable company. If the company is one that uses dry chemicals, any time would be OK. But if water based, he would prefer this be done in early May so he could air out his apartment without the winter chill.
Client 13: A 34-year-old male who lives with his parents in Mason County. His mental health issues make him unable to advocate for himself. He cannot communicate on his own.
He is in constant need of new clothing as his compulsive behaviors cause him to tear clothing. pillowcases, men’s size XL gray sweatpants; size large white T-shirts; men’s size 34 short/briefs (underwear).
SAFEPLACE
Since 1981, SafePlace has offered safety and support to survivors of both sexual assault and domestic violence. SafePlace’s mission is to work toward ending sexual and domestic violence and to advocate for personal and societal change through crisis intervention and education.
SafePlace provides emergency, confidential shelter; a residential children’s program and support group child care; a 24-hour crisis line; in-person advocacy; community support groups in Spanish and English; information and referrals for other community services; client assistance funds; legal advocacy; support during and post-sexual assault exam; culturally relevant advocacy for underserved populations; and in-house Cambodian and Spanish translation.
Consider sending gift cards this year: gas cards in $20-$25 increments; fast-food cards in $5-$10 increments; grocery and department store cards in $10 and $20 increments; Intercity bus passes; phone cards in 30-, 60-, or 120-minute increments; gift cards for shelter, food or maintenance (Costco, Home Depot, or Lowe’s); gift cards for the children’s program (Target, Joann Fabrics, Michaels, or Wind Up Here). Its ongoing necessities include toilet paper, paper towels, disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizers, large garbage bags and diaper wipes.
For more information on donating to SafePlace and its clients, call Derek, 360-786-8754, ext. 100. Donations can be brought to the business office, 314 Legion Way S.E., Olympia. Office hours are 9 a.m. to noon and 1-5 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays. Go to www.safeplace olympia.org.
