Seattle Press on Line - Santa Says: Put Your Money on These

Santa Says: Put Your Money on These

Dec 20, 2001 -- During the holiday season, everyone sees the Salvation Army Santas armed with bells and red buckets. But many other non-profit organizations go unnoticed when they need it most. In the wake of the September 11 tragedy and the subsequent recession, people have been tightening their budgets, and the first thing to go tends to be donations to charities. So now these groups are in need of help more than ever. This holiday season, consider making some gifts in the form of donations in your friend or family member's name. Or just help out these organizations with extras in your home.

The Women's Funding Alliance benefits women and girls throughout the Puget Sound Area. The group raised $300,000 this year, money that funded 11 scholarships, 13 grants to agencies that serve women and children and 10 new agencies in the workplace campaign program. Funding recipients include Asian and Pacific Islander Women and Family Safety Center, Center for the Prevention of Sexual and Domestic Violence, Consejo Counseling & Referral Service, Harborview Center for Sexual Assault and Traumatic Stress, Intercommunity Housing, Northwest Women's Law Center, Piece County AIDS foundation, Welfare Rights Organizing Coalition and more. Contact the Alliance at 467-6733 or www.wfalliance.org.

The University Street Ministry feeds and shelters homeless teens in the U-District. This year, there is a wish list for homeless teens and young adults, including socks, dental supplies, general toiletries (deodorant, disposable razors, skin lotion, small first aid kits), sewing kits, gift certificates for inexpensive restaurants, sleeping bags and blankets, and backpacks. In addition, to help get jobs, the homeless teens need access to a phone, so calling cards are useful. Of course, donors are also welcome to make monetary donations. For $20, 20 youths can receive toiletries. $120 will get Teen Feed supplies for a whole month. Contact the Ministry at 522-4366.

FamilyWorks is facing funding cuts. The group provides parenting classes and support programs, playgroups, computer assistance, employment counseling, family literacy and fun family events. Contact the organization at 694-6726.

Goodwill operates 10 different stores in the Seattle area alone. The non-profit thrift stores support education and job-training programs. The easiest way to help this group is to go through your house and find things you no long need. Goodwill accepts used or new clothing, books, shoes, toys and housewares. For tax purposes, donors should request a receipt from the attendant when they drop off their goods. Value should be determined ahead of time by the donors, based on the amount of money the donation should fetch. Contact the group at 329-1000 or www.seattlegoodwill.org.

For a unique, character-building present, sponsor an Earn-a-Bike kid at Bikeworks. For $97 you can sponsor an Earn-a-Bike student. The students spend 18 hours fixing bikes that will go back into the community, before earning their own bikes. They learn confidence and respect, as well as how to fix a bike. All donations are tax deductible. Bikes may also be donated, but please call first. Contact the group at 725-9408 or www.scn.org/bikeworks.

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