You can make the holidays brighter by giving through The Olympian’s Light of Hope

If ever there were a year when this community needs your help, it is 2020.

Illness. Economic hardship. All of us know someone who is struggling right now. But there are many more of your neighbors that you don’t see who are hanging on by their fingernails.

If you are looking for a way to help those in need in Thurston County during the holiday season, you’ve come to the right place.

The Olympian’s annual Light of Hope shines a light on the needs of South Sound residents who lack resources and the nonprofit organizations that work with them. Below you will find wish lists from local nonprofits and the people they help, and suggestions for how you can help meet those needs — including the specific needs of some of the agencies’ clients.

So read on to learn how you can make a difference for someone this holiday season.

Family Education and Support Services

Family Education and Support Services’ mission is to partner with parents to help them build the skills and confidence to ensure kids have a safe and healthy home. Staff meets the families through direct service, basic need navigation, training, support groups, and various other community services.

What its clients need:

• 11-year-old boy: Clothing size is 16/18 youth. Wishes for Fortnite, Nerf guns, Legos.
• 6-year-old boy: Clothing size 8. Wishes for Legos, Nerf guns, Army or police toys.
• 5-year-old boy: Clothing size 7. Loves Lion King, Toy Story. Hulk and Ironman toys, plus Fisher Price Imaginext toy set.
• 3-year-old girl: Clothing size 4T. Wishes for Love Pepa Pig and baby dolls.
• Baby girl (3 months): Needs a baby swing, diapers size 1, baby wipes, 3-month size girl clothing, and toys for babies up to 6 months old.

Email Christina@familyess.org or call 360-999-8476 to work out a COVID-19 safe way to meet to pick up the gifts for the family/client.

Family Support Center of South Sound

Family Support Center of South Sound, founded in 1992, provides families with children and survivors of domestic violence/sexual assault with coordinated supportive services. It works to build strong, healthy, safe, and hopeful families through collaborative programs in an effort to reduce the negative impacts of poverty, homelessness, and family violence.

What they need: Toilet paper, paper towels, cleaning supplies, gas cards, diapers, wipes, non-perishable snacks, easy to heat meals (Cup of Soup, microwavable mac and cheese, Cup of Noodles, etc.), coffee, creamer packets, sugar packets.

What clients need:

• Family 1: New dishes, silverware, pots and pans, twin-sized bedding, coffee pot, microwave, wooden toys for a toddler under 3, gift cards to Fred Meyer
• Family 2: Instant Pot, bathroom towels, shower curtain, new dishes, wireless headphones, art kit, books for a young adult
• Family 3: Stroller cover, pots and pans, silverware, 3D stickers, wireless headphones, LOL Surprise Toys, baby yoda toy
• Family 4: Scooter, pads and helmet; men and women large, waterproof jackets; gloves you can use with a phone; twin flannel sheets, twin blanket
• Family 5: Tent, tarp, rope, camp stove, baby wipes, family friendly games, stroller cover, gas cards
• Family 6: Craft kit, science kits, puzzles, coffee pot, new coffee mugs, new men’s socks (extra warm), emergency car kit

To donate: The Family Support Center’s ‘Winter Wish List’ is available on its website: www.fscss.org. Questions? Contact Maija Glasier-Lawson at maijag@fscss.org or 360-754-9297. Donations can be dropped off from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the main office, 3545 Seventh Ave SW, Suite 200, Olympia WA 98502. Items also can be shipped to that address Monday through Friday.

Homeless Backpacks

Homeless Back Packs is a 501c3 nonprofit all-volunteer organization founded in 2006. It provides weekend food for needy students in Thurston County. It serves high school and middle school students throughout Thurston County and also elementary students in Rainier, Tenino and Yelm. The pandemic has brought about an increased need and the total number of students served weekly has doubled from just over 600 per week last year to 1,300 students per week this year.

What they need: Cash donations and volunteers to pack food bags.

To donate or volunteer: Contact Roxie Stancil at Roxie.stancil@homelessbackpacks.org, 360 791-3411 or www.homelessbackpacks.org

Homes First

2020 has been a difficult year with COVID-19 restrictions as it has been for everyone throughout our community and state. With your support, Homes First is celebrating a milestone 30 years of providing safe, permanent and stable affordable rental housing for our community members most in need.

Because of record unemployment due to COVID 19, the U.S. is facing an eviction tsunami. Now more than ever, Homes First plays a key role in providing stability in our community. We are working diligently to support our tenants during this uncertain and challenging time.

For every $100 donated, we can ensure our new tenants get the supplies they need for their home when they first move in.

For every $250 donated, we can weatherize a home’s windows or repair the ramp on a home for adults with developmental disabilities.

For every $500 invested, Homes First can fill the rent gap to keep a family housed for an entire year.

A $5,000 gift would allow us to install an accessible bathroom in a home.

To donate: Go to https://www.homesfirst.org/donate.

North Thurston Education Foundation

The North Thurston Education Foundation, Partners for Kids, is an independent, non-profit partnership of community members and North Thurston Public Schools. It was incorporated in 1989. It is committed to enhancing educational opportunities for students and helping students overcome financial barriers so they will succeed. It aims to remove barriers, enhance learning and enrich lives of students in North Thurston schools who are in need.

What they need: Cash donations, children’s clothes, shoes, winter clothing, hats, gloves, healthy snacks or food for the school food pantries. Sponsor a graduating senior. The foundation will distribute the donations.

To donate: Go to https://ntef.org/how-you-can-help/

SafePlace

SafePlace is a 501c3 nonprofit that provides services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Its programs include a 24-hour emergency confidential shelter, sexual assault hospital advocacy, a housing program, legal advocacy, and 24-hour helpline.

What they need: SafePlace could use $25, $50 and $100 gift cards to stores such as Target, Walmart, Fred Meyer, Safeway, and gas stations; twin- and full-size blankets; twin- and full-size sheet sets; towels, bath mats and shower curtains.

To donate: Contactless drop off at the SafePlace business office, 521 Legion Way SE, Olympia, from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays. For more information, email elspethp@safeplaceolympia.org or call 360-786-8754.

Senior Services for South Sound

Senior Services is a 501(c)3 charitable organization. They serve people age 55 and older in Thurston and Mason counties. The mission of Senior Services for South Sound is to improve the quality of life for people as they age. During this challenging season, they offer wellness check-ins for seniors at home, critical delivery of food and commodities, Meals on Wheels home-delivered meals, virtual classes and other services to help seniors live life to the fullest.

What they need: The organization is seeking gift cards of $20 to share with various clients for clothing and other basic needs.

What its clients need: A 66-year-old woman with developmental disabilities who uses the Inclusion Program is home alone this holiday season and could benefit from a gift card of $20 to help her with basic needs such as shampoo, toilet paper, and other commodities.

To donate: Gift cards can be mailed to Senior Services at 222 Columbia St. NW, Olympia WA 98502. Monetary donations can be made at this website www.southsoundseniors.org and will serve seniors in the community.

South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity

The local chapter of Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, community and hope in Thurston County. It puts hardworking families into affordable homes that they own or performs critical home repairs for low-income homeowners.

What they need: Tools such as framing hammers, cordless impact drills, outdoor extension cords, wheel barrows, shovels, gloves, safety glasses, ear plugs, rain gear for volunteers.

What its clients need:

• Family 1: Laptop for school and checking in for program requirements.
• Family 2: Laptop for school — the family of three shares one computer and one phone.

To donate: Call 360-859-4842 to reach Shawna Dutton, director of development; consult www.spshabitat.org/donate; or text spshabitat to 243725 to donate money.

South Sound Reading Foundation

The South Sound Reading Foundation is a nonprofit organization based in Olympia that serves the children and families of primarily Thurston and Mason counties. It envisions communities where all children read well and enjoy reading, and where reading opens new opportunities. Primarily, it serves lower-income children and families and those considered Title 1 in schools. However, its mission is to bring the joy and promise of books and reading to ALL South Sound children.

What they need: Help give the gift of literacy by donating new and gently-used children’s books — board books, picture books, beginning readers, and chapter books, as well as Spanish language books for all ages.

To donate: Email read2me@nthurston.k12.wa.us or sgage@nthurston.k12.wa.us or call 360-412-4411 ext. 35002. Visit https://www.southsoundreading.org/ for more information. Donations accepted at 200 Sleater-Kinney Road NE.

Lewis Mason Thurston Area Agency on Aging

The Lewis-Mason-Thurston Area Agency on Aging’s Case Management and Information and Assistance programs connect vulnerable adults with information and social and health services to help them remain in their homes. Most clients have very modest means combined with health conditions that limit their ability to take care of their daily needs.

What they need: Donations will help fulfill client wishes the otherwise would be left wanting. This year, like with many holiday traditions, the agency is doing things a little bit differently: It is asking that donations be made via PayPal or mail so it can match the client’s wishes with gift cards. Given the COVID restrictions, LMTAAA cannot accept packages. Choose of a client from the list and send a gift card donation through the PayPal account or mail it to LMTAAA, 2404 Heritage Ct. SW, Olympia, WA 98502. Please include the client number with the donation. Donations are tax-deductible and will be accepted through Dec. 16. If you have questions, call Laura Dreckman at 360-664-3162, ext. 133.

What its clients need:

Client 1: A woman who lives with tremendous back pain and severe vision problems. She would like a small space heater, slippers and a blanket to make it more comfortable in her small travel trailer. She also would like some liquid soap and fresh fish.

Client 2: A woman who has arthritis, mood and metabolism issues that makes daily chores difficult. She lives alone and has no family in the area. She would like some essential clothing and a winter coat.

Client 3: A couple are both disabled and have small children. They wish for help to purchase medications and groceries.

Client 4: A woman who lives alone with no local family support and has very limited means. She would like to purchase new sheets for her bed and a few household items.

Client 5: A woman in her early 80s who has no family support and lives alone. She has several health issues that limit her ability to manage her care needs. She is requesting help purchasing a simple new printer or DVD player, since she is not a “techie.”

Client 6: A man in his 50s lives on a fixed income, has no family help and is recovering from heart surgery. He would like help acquiring an electric razor, sweats and a pillow to keep his feet propped up.

Client 8: A woman in her mid-50s with blood sugar and mood issues and no local family connections or support. She would be grateful for help buying household items including towels and a vacuum cleaner.

Client 9: A woman in her 60s with mobility and mood struggles has been particularly affected by the isolation due to the stay at home order. She would like help buying household items and a gift for her grandson.

Client 10: A woman who has multiple physical and emotional struggles and struggles to support herself and her dogs on her very limited income. She is wishing for a gift card to purchase groceries, household items and treats for her pups.

Client 11: A woman who lives alone and has no local family members. She has some metabolic and breathing problems and struggles to purchase household necessities. She wishes for some help stocking up on food for the holidays.

Client 12: A man in his early 60s who has several physical and emotional issues that make it difficult to prepare meals and clean his apartment. He would like help to purchase new sheets and bath towels.

Client 13: A man who has several health issues also suffered the loss of a family member and a hospitalization of his roommate. These losses have put a great emotional and financial strain on him. He is hoping for help purchasing some warm clothing.

Client 14: A man who lives alone, has severe mobility issues and a very limited income. He is looking for help purchasing jeans and clothing designed for wheelchair users.

Client 15: A man in his late 50s has several debilitating illnesses and both he and his supportive brother have recently received an additional chronic health diagnosis. He would like help purchasing some household necessities, including a new coffee pot and cat food.

Client 16: A man with digestive issues and mobility struggles and lives alone. His wish is for help to purchase very effective, but expensive nutritional drinks that help him to manage his symptoms.

Client 17: A woman in her early 60s, lives alone and has breathing and neurological health issues. She is very independent and loves riding the bus. She would like help buying grocery and household items from Fred Meyer.

Client 18: A man is in his 60s who has a cancer diagnosis and is struggling to maintain affordable housing. He would like help purchasing a fan to keep him comfortable.

Client 19: A woman in her 40s requires help to manager her health. She lives alone and is proud to live independently. She would be grateful for help purchasing a humidifier and bathroom items.

Client 20: A woman in her 50s, lives alone and requires assistance with personal care due to her health conditions. Her request is for warm blankets and clothing for the winter.

Client 21: A woman in her early 70s, lives alone and is grateful for the caregivers who allow her to live in her own home. She requests help purchasing an automated litter box for her cat.

Client 22: A woman in her early 60s lives alone and is on a long waiting list for subsidized housing. Her holiday wish is to take a friend out to dinner at Olive Garden (when that is possible).

Client 23: A man in his 90s who proudly lives in his own home with minimal assistance. He would appreciate help purchasing veggies and fruits for smoothies at Haggen’s.

Client 24: A woman in her 70s who lives alone and is recovering from a brain injury. She has been saving up for a new mattress and would like help to purchase it. She is looking forward to sleeping better with her back pain and mobility challenges.

Client 25: A woman in her late 50s who is battling cancer. She has a very low income and would benefit from a gift card to purchase her favorite holiday items.

Client 26: A 49-year-old man who has several health limitations and weekly medical appointments. He has a very limited budget and would love a gift card to purchase household items and ingredients for his favorite holiday meal.

Client 27: A woman in her mid-50s who suffers from several chronic health conditions. She requests a gift card to get a new comforter and slippers to keep her warm this winter.

Client 28: A woman in her late 80s who lives alone in an apartment. She has physical limitations due to several medical conditions. She would like some new clothes for the holiday season and would be grateful for a gift card to purchase them.

Client 29: A woman in her mid-80s who lives with her son in a trailer. She has many medical problems and uses a wheelchair. Even though she recently learned she has another progressive illness, she ends every phone call with a joke. She would like to get some new bed sheets for her twin-size bed.

Client 30: A woman in her early 70s who lives alone in her own apartment has several illnesses and related physical limitations. She would like to replace her 10-year-old+ bed sheets and to fill up her fridge with some food.

Client 31: A woman in her early 80s, lives alone, and suffers from several health limitations. Her wish is for a gift card from Walmart so she can fill her refrigerator with goodies and holiday cheer.

Client 32: A woman in her 50s who suffers from many health conditions that greatly affect her mobility. She would love a gift card from Walmart to get groceries and items for her home.

Client 33: A man in his mid-40s who lives with a disabled family member. He has mobility issues in part due to an amputation. He would be grateful for a Walmart gift card to buy groceries and supplies to make his “Para Cord” crafts this holiday season.

Client 34: A man who is in his 50s, lives alone and has mental health challenges. He relies greatly on his caregiver for support. He needs a landline telephone and winter clothes. If there anything left over, he will go to his favorite Starbucks.

Client 35: A woman in her early 30s who is hearing impaired and challenged by other health conditions. She lives on a fixed income, and is the sole provider for her teenage daughter. She would be grateful for a gift card to purchase new clothing for herself and her daughter and possibly some household appliances.

Client 36: A man in his mid-60s who, after spending several years homeless, recently moved into a mobile home. He would appreciate assistance so he can repair the sinks and purchase some household items.

Client 37: A man is in his mid-60s who rents a bedroom in a friend’s house. In the past year he has been hospitalized multiple times which has resulted in great financial strain. He would be grateful for a gift card for holiday food and some clothing.

Client 38: A woman in her 50s who lives alone in her own apartment. Client uses the apartment facilities for laundry. With the current coin shortage, client is not able to wash as often as needed. With the purchases of additional clothes, this would give her plenty of clothes on hand.

Client 39: A woman in her 70s with multiple serious health issues that affect her mobility. She lives with her beloved dogs, cats and chickens in a rural area and would be overjoyed to receive dog and cat food as well as chicken feed. She would feel very blessed to receive a queen-size electric blanket for her bed and a small electric throw for her easy chair in the living room.

Client 40: A man in his late 30s with a serious health condition that limits his mobility. He is trying to strengthen his body and would appreciate weights of any type. He does not have a winter coat and is in need of new shoes.

Client 41: A young woman in her early 20s with a cognitive disability who struggles with mobility and lives in a large tent with her family. She loves to create art and she would enjoy art supplies such as colored markers, animal or design coloring books and gel pens. She would also be grateful to receive a gift certificate for new walking shoes, as she loves to walk in nature.

Client 42: This woman cares for both her mother, who is very frail, and her adult sister who has cognitive challenges. Her wish is for some new clothing and magazines for her mother and sister, and some comfortable clothing and notebooks to help her learn a new language.

This story was originally published December 6, 2020 at 5:45 AM.