Make the holidays brighter by giving to local nonprofits through the Light of Hope
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.
Safeplace
SafePlace advocates have offered safety and support to survivors of both sexual assault and domestic violence since being established as a nonprofit 5019(c)(3) in 1981. Striving to put an end to sexual and domestic violence through crisis intervention and education, SafePlace works as an advocate for personal and society change. With a board of directors, staff, and volunteers operating the agency, SafePlace is able to sustain its purpose of empowering survivors to make decisions about their lives through means of support services, resources, and readily available information.
Safeplace generally needs twin- and full-size bed blankets and sheets and gift cards to gas stations, box stores like Target and Walmart, grocery stores, fast food restaurants and family restaurants, and clothing stores like TJMaxx and Ross in $25, $50, and $100 increments.
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 I in schools. However, its mission is to bring the joy and promise of books and reading to all South Sound children.
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. It especially needs beginning readers and board books.
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 which limit their ability to care for their daily needs. Your donations will help fulfill their wishes which otherwise would be left wanting.
This year, like with many of holiday traditions, LMTAAA will be doing things a little bit different. It is asking for donations via PayPal or mail to match the client’s wishes with gift cards. Given the COVID restrictions, it cannot accept packages at this time. We know many of you enjoy shopping for the clients you chose, but you can still find the joy of giving through your thoughtful donation.
Choose a client from the list and send your gift card donation through the agency’s PayPal account or mail it to LMTAAA, 2404 Heritage Ct SW, Olympia, WA 98502. Please include the client number with your 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.
Client 1: A woman who lives with chronic pain and mood struggles. She is an animal lover who has two cats and a dog. She would like to be able to purchase pet supplies and spot cleaner (for life’s little accidents.)
Client 2 A Man who has multiple, physical health conditions. He has always loved taking photos, which his chronic pain limits but does not stop his love of beauty. He would like help getting a tripod to continue his passion.
Client 3: A women in her 30’s who has multiple chronic illnesses and a very low income. Her wish is for some warm winter clothes and a blanket. She thanks you in advance.
Client 4: A woman who has multiple physical health struggles and few financial resources is moving into her own place. She would appreciate help getting new bedding and some small furnishings to be able to create a warm and comfortable space.
Client 5: A woman who is in her 50s lives, lives alone and experiences daily pain due to several physical health issues. Her wish is to be able to purchase some warm clothing and a new lap blanket.
Client 6 A woman in her 70s lives on a fixed income, has no family nearby, and suffers with daily pain. She enjoys crafts especially basket weaving. She would like help acquiring crafting supplies, a warm blanket, and some bath towels.
Client 7: A woman in her 50s, who has difficulty breathing and other health issues, is raising a grandchild on her limited income. She would greatly appreciate help purchasing bedding, winter clothes, and some furnishings for the home.
Client 8: A woman in her 70s had a stroke and has other health struggles. She has been saving up for some home repairs, but in the meantime, she could use some clothes, blankets, large cooler and food items. She expressed her gratitude in advance.
Client 9: A woman in her 50s struggles with mobility and has a very limited income. She would very much appreciate a gift card so that she can buy clothes, pot and pans and dog treats.
Client 10: A woman who has multiple physical limitations due to a disabling medical condition. Her limited income does not cover her necessities. Her wish is for toiletries, household items, and craft supplies. Crafters know about life’s necessities.
Client 11: A man who lives alone and has chronic breathing difficulties and emotional pain. He needs to replace several household items and simply wishes for some help to purchase a few pots and perhaps get a blender.
Client 12: A female who is in her early 50’s who has several physical and emotional issues. She is in the process of relocating to a new home. She lives alone with her service animal. She would like help to purchase clothes, and supplies for her dog. Gift card to pet smarts and Fred Myer would be helpful
Client 13: A man in his early 50s who lives alone and has several health issues. He enjoys creating art and being outdoors. He is hoping for help with purchasing some jeans and yard work gloves for those days when he can garden.
Client 14 A woman who has severe mobility issues, has a very limited income, and lives with her elderly dog and trusted companion. She would be grateful for help purchasing pet supplies and some personal items.
Client 15: A man in his 60s who has several debilitating illnesses. He would be grateful for help purchasing some household necessities and clothing.
Client 16: A woman who has digestive issues and mobility struggles. Her wish is for help to purchase an air fryer, pots and pans, and bath towels.
Client 17: A woman in her late 60s who works hard to manage dietary restrictions and other health issues. She also provides care for a family member who resides in her home. She would greatly appreciate support to purchase shoes, socks, and other clothes items.
Client 18: A man who has a heart condition and mobility struggles which limit his ability to be as independent as he would like. He lives alone on a very fixed income and would be grateful for help getting much-needed clothing items.
Client 19: A woman who has multiple physical health issues and wishes for help purchasing cell phone and warm winter clothes.
Client 20 A woman in her 80s who lives alone and just recently needed help with personal care due to her declining health. She is determined to reside in her home as long as she is able. Her wish is help purchasing bed pads, compression pads, and saline wound cleaners.
Client 21: A woman in her 70s who lives alone and has no family support in the area. She struggles with joint pain which makes it difficult to sleep. For the holiday season this year she her wish is for a soft body pillow to help her sleep better..
Client 22: A woman in her early 90s, lives with several physical challenges and declining memory. Her simple holiday wish is for a warm blanket and funds to shop at the oriental market.
Client 23: A man in his late 40’s lives alone and has many physical health issues that puts limits on his day-to-day activities. To help occupies his time He enjoys playing video games. This holiday he would appreciate help purchasing games with gift card to Walmart.
Client 24: A woman in her 60s, living alone and suffers with arthritis and limited vision. She would appreciate help acquiring some warm clothes for winter, including a scarf, gloves, and maybe an air fryer.
Client 25: A man in his late 40s who is struggling with mobility issues and the need to follow a special diet. His wish is help purchasing new bedding and an air fryer. His gratitude is offered in advance.
Client 26: A 52-year-old man who has several health limitations. He has a very limited budget and would love a gift card to purchase household items and some of his favorite holiday meal items. \u0009
Client 27: A woman in her 30s lives alone on a very limited income. She suffers with multiple physical health issues. She would appreciate help to purchase some much-needed bathroom supplies.
Client 28: A man in his late 40s who lives alone in his own apartment. He has physical limitations due to several medical conditions. He would like some new clothes for this holiday season.
Client 29: A man who is in his late 50s who lives alone. He suffers with many medical problems. He would like help getting some new, warm clothes for winter.
Client 30: A woman in her late 80s who lives on a very low income. She has several illness and related physical limitations. She would like help getting some grocery and household items.
Client 31: A man in his late 60s who lives alone and recently diagnosed with low vision, in addition to other health limitations. His wish is simply for help to purchase household items and holiday groceries.
Client 32: A man in his late 20s who lives alone and has no family in the area and suffers from a dietary health condition that requires him to rely on nutritional shakes for much of his food intake. Client would appreciate help stocking up on his nutritional shakes.
Client 33: A older man who has no family help and lives on his own. He suffers with multiple physical illness and has some difficulty sleeping due to his very old mattress. He looks forward to getting a new mattress and pad.
Client 34: A woman in her 60s, who lives alone and has several physical challenges. One challenge is getting safely into her bed at night. She could use a set of Sturdy Steps to help her in getting into and out of her bed.
Client 35: A man in his late 60 s who lives with multiple health challenges. Just recently he was able to get an apartment after having been homeless. He would greatly appreciate help getting some household items, including a coffee pot. Coffee achievers can appreciate his request.
Client 36: A Woman in her 50s who is the sole caregiver for two of her family members. Some days her family members are unable to get out of bed. Her wish is for some art supplies and other entertainments for those days when they cannot get up.
Client 37: A man in his late 40s with mobility struggles due to a serious health condition. He lives alone with his dog who is his best friend. He is requesting help purchasing of a new vacuum cleaner to help manage the pet hair, on the floor, the couch He was also hoping for some winter clothing.
Client 38: A woman in her late 80s lives alone on a very limited income. She has vision and other health issues. Her request is for help getting warm clothes for the winter.
This story was originally published December 4, 2021 at 10:46 AM.