West Seattle holiday help: Donation deadlines draw near

| Holidays | How to help | West Seattle news

With Christmas just nine days away, donation drives are wrapping up – and many still need you! Like these two – right across 42nd SW from each other:

(Photo by Alice Kuder)
Noon today is the donation deadline for the Toys for Tots drive at Prudential Northwest Realty in Jefferson Square (42nd/Alaska). Get a new unwrapped toy there by noon, because Alice Kuder is delivering them later this afternoon. Alice shares the photo from the Toys for Tots warehouse in Normandy Park – where she says three Marines, including Staff. Sgt. Chris Apgar (left) and Cpl. Stephanie Coverdale, are sorting and prepping donated toys for regional distribution.

Meantime, AAA in West Seattle is collecting donations for the”Nickelsville” encampment, where this Christmas tree is now up:

(Photo by Kevin McClintic)
WSB Forums members made the Christmas tree happen. But the people at the camp need the basics, too, and AAA is collecting soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and other toiletries. Alison explains that the office originally was collecting donations for Family Promise – but since that shelter program for families has shut down, they’re now collecting for Nickelsville and will make the delivery on Christmas Eve. Alison says toothbrushes and deodorant would be especially helpful. She adds, “The band 93 Octane (plays at The Bridge) is putting together some gifts for the teens that are currently living in the tent city and could still use New Socks, thermal underclothes, hats, scarves, gloves and anything else you can think of that could make their nights a little less miserable.” Bring donations to the AAA office at 4701 42nd SW, southwest corner of 42nd and Alaska.

Silly Goose December 16, 2011 (9:17 am)

WOW it looks like most of the residents have left since we toured in November.

miws December 16, 2011 (10:54 am)

Hi Silly Goose. That photo was taken in the part of Camp where the construction of the structures has taken place.

We voted, in Camp, to allow up to 150 tents, so that has necessitated putting some tents up in the area originally intended for structures only, since the part of Camp west of the structures is pretty much at capacity tent-wise.

Although there was a fairly significant drop in the resident count with the onset of the wetter/colder weather, some residents finding other shelter or actual housing, there has been a bit of an influx of new residents in the past couple of weeks.

Huge thanks to AAA, and 93 Octane for their generosity!

Mike

A December 16, 2011 (4:16 pm)

This is so great! I was so inspired by all the people coming in today, with items that I never would have thought of, that I went and bought individual laundry soaps, men’s shaving cream and razors and women’s personal products. Since the blog posted this we have received a couple dozen socks, blankets, scarf’s and much, much more! With all next week to still drop off your donations we should be able to get 5 times what we got today. On Friday I will take a picture of all the stuff and send it to WSB. I hope to fill my bosses cubical. :)

WSB December 16, 2011 (5:25 pm)

I am glad to hear that people answered the call. We never know. Or better yet, let us know on Wednesday how it’s going and we can publish an update – we’ll be making note of last-minute charity calls by then, with Christmas on the horizon. – TR

Silly Goose December 18, 2011 (2:40 pm)

WOO Hoo way to go AAA and all the little elves helping out the citizens of the United States of America!! God Bless you all.

tk December 19, 2011 (1:58 pm)

How are things going with the little structures they wanted to build? I wonder if everyone just went out and bought one sheet of OSB each, if they’d be able to make those shed like shelters like they were hoping. Everyone with a truck should just buy one sheet. hmmm, how could I organize this?

Also, are they going to be able to heat those sheds with propane heaters or anything?

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