West Seattle, Washington
07 Sunday
If you can donate a new, unwrapped toy to Toys for Tots (or more than one), in addition to the ongoing drives we’ve mentioned in our West Seattle Holiday Guide, there are two special opportunities tomorrow (Saturday, December 6):
KIWANIS CLUB OF WEST SEATTLE PANCAKE BREAKFAST: Along with an incredible breakfast deal ($8/advance, $10/door for pancakes, ham, and beverage), U.S. Marines will be there to accept unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots. 7 am-11 am, Alki Masonic Center (40th/Edmunds), and Santa will be there too.
(WSB photo at Station 29 during last year’s toy drive)
SEATTLE FIRE STATION 29 TOY DRIVE: On Saturday afternoon, 2-4 pm, the Seattle Fire Department hosts a Toys for Tots drive at a few of its stations around the city. In West Seattle, Station 29 is participating – 2139 Ferry Avenue SW in North Admiral. Bring a toy and meet firefighters!
OTHER TOY/FOOD/ETC. DRIVES: See the Giving Opportunities section of the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide – still adding to it!
Earlier this week on Giving Tuesday, we mentioned half a dozen ways to support local school/youth groups. We have one more – the West Seattle High School music program launched a “direct drive” this week and asked us to tell you about it:
… You may not realize that our music program is nearly 100% funded by donations and fundraising. That means that any new instrument purchased for our school, any repairs, piano tuning, new music, coaching, financial aid, etc. are paid for with funds raised during our two annual fundraisers, the Direct Drive and our Big Band Dinner Dance. Our direct drive operates just like the public radio or PBS fundraisers, where we simply seek donations to help our program operate. We are not selling anything, students don’t need to carry order forms for wrapping paper or candy bars, we are just looking for donations. Here is how you can help:
-Consider making a tax-deductible donation to our music program. Our Friends of West Seattle Music and Drama boosters is a 501c3 organization. The donation link can be found on our FOWSMD website found here. There is no donation too small or too large!
-Do you work for a company that does matching donations? Double your impact!
-Help us spread the word about our campaign and fundraising goal!We happily take donations all year long, but we only do our fall fundraising campaign between the Thanksgiving holiday and our final Winter Concert on December 18th. See the attached document for more information. Thank you so much for your continued support and helping us towards our goal.
You can go here to donate.
(Bloodworks Northwest file photo)
One week from Sunday, not only can you donate to the Hometown Holidays Coat Drive in The Junction – also, if you can donate blood, you can do that too. On Sunday, December 14, the Bloodworks Northwest van will be near California and Alaska for a special Junction drive between 9 am and 3 pm, and more than a dozen appointments are open – go here to sign up.
That’s the Giving Tree on the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus, and it’s one of two opportunities we’re spotlighting today to support SSC students this season, along with four other local youth/school support options for you to consider on this Giving Tuesday. First, from SSC:
Giving Tree for Student Families
Through Dec. 10, South Seattle College’s Human Resources Office is hosting a Giving Tree to support students and their families this holiday season. Community members are invited to select a child’s wish tag from the tree in the Robert Smith Building and return unwrapped gifts with the tag by December 10. Students will receive their gifts during finals week (Dec. 15-19).
In addition to selecting gifts for a child, donations of new, unused unwrapped toys, toiletries (such as shampoo, conditioner, hygiene products, cleaning supplies, soap, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and hair-care items), and gift-wrapping supplies (new or gently used wrapping paper, bows, ribbon, greeting cards, and unused gift tags) are welcomed.
If you would like to help out, please visit South Seattle Colleges Human Resources Office, located in the Robert Smith Building (RSB) on main campus in West Seattle. You can select gifts for a child from the Giving Tree and drop off miscellaneous gifts, toiletries and wrapping supplies. A red a-frame sign directs visitors to the HR Office from the RSB Courtyard. Please view the South Seattle College main campus map and Robert Smith Building detail map for more details. Questions? HR.South@seattlecolleges.edu.
Food Pantry Donations
South Seattle College food pantries provide a vital service to our students. In recent years, over 50% of South students have reported food insecurity due to rising grocery costs and other barriers. We operate food pantries at main campus in West Seattle and at our Georgetown campus to provide students with shelf-stable groceries, fresh food items, toiletries and diapers. Two links for donations:
Main Campus Food Pantry Fundraising Site
Georgetown Campus Food Pantry Fundraising Site
Four more opportunities to support local students:
West Seattle High School Mock Trial Team – This new student-founded team has to raise $900 for the fee to enter competition. Not familiar with Mock Trial? Here’s how the team’s founder, WSHS sophomore Zoe Bryant, describes it:
Mock Trial is an in-school program where students prepare and present a legal case as attorneys, witnesses, and courtroom staff such as bailiff. It teaches public speaking, critical and quick thinking, teamwork, and confidence while giving students real exposure to the justice system! … We want to give the team an equal chance to compete and participate regardless of any financial barriers! This is why we need your support!
You can help them get into the competition in February by donating here.
Chief Sealth Basketball ‘Play It Forward’ – Not only are you giving, but so are the beneficiaries of this unique fundraiser for Chief Sealth International High School‘s basketball programs, which are just starting their seasons. We featured “Play It Forward” in mid-November; they’re up to two-thirds of their goal, and asked for a Giving Tuesday reminder. (Here’s the direct donation link.)
Skunk Works Robotics – Also gearing up for its next season is this team with many local members:
Skunk Works Robotics Team 1983 is gearing up for the 2026 FIRST Robotics season! We’re already spending tons of hours working on designing, wiring, and coding for our next competitive robot, and we’re picking up some seriously cool engineering, electrical and business skills while we’re at it. Your donation today directly funds the awesome hardware and tools we need to make the magic happen!
Skunk Works Robotics, which is a 4-H community team, has provided hands-on STEM education to local students for over 19 years, regardless of their financial situation. Volunteer mentors and coaches have helped the team achieve a 100% college acceptance rate and pave the way for successful STEM careers.
Donate Today: skunkworks1983.com/donate
Fairmount Park PTA – We’ve spotlighted several elementary school PTA/PTSA/PTO campaigns lately but not yet this one, which is in its final week:
Fairmount Park PTA Blue Envelope Direct Give – supporting:
Additional Math and Reading Support Staff
Instrumental Music Program
Art, Music, PE and Library Programs
Classroom Teachers Grants
Food Support Program
Assemblies and School Events
Afterschool Enrichment
Again, we mention opportunities for community support frequently, and everyone who’s benefited is thankful for community support – even if you can’t donate, learning and knowing about what’s happening with your neighbors is priceless too. You can see the latest stories we’ve published any time by scrolling through our “How to Help” category archive.
The Tuesday after Black Friday is traditionally its flip side … Giving Tuesday. We publish giving opportunities almost every day, and your inbox is likely brimming with requests today. We have a few to share, starting with this one sent to us by a friend of the family. Less than two weeks ago, 34-year-old Darby Bukowski died in childbirth. Her son Wyatt survived and is with his dad Jackson. Friends and family are crowdfunding not only for current expenses but to provide for Wyatt’s future. Friend Karla, in sharing this link about Darby, told us, “She was so excited to become a mother, and I was so looking forward to her experiencing the wonderful support and community she would have found among the families and neighbors who make this area so special. Darby was a true joy to be around. She made everyone feel welcome and seen, and she had a natural gift for putting people at ease. Her bright, beautiful smile was contagious.” Karla tells us that Darby’s due date had been November 19, and she died as Wyatt was born November 22, so he was born full-term.
That’s another view of one of the windows broken at Baked Custom Cakes in The Admiral District by a vandal who also broke windows at Alki Bike and Board next door, as reported here on Thanksgiving Day. The holidays can be a make-or-break time for small businesses, but these two are bearing extra expense because of the vandalism. We mentioned Alki Bike and Board’s sales last weekend; Baked also has something you might want to buy:
Proprietor Kristina tells WSB that she’s selling gingerbread kits – not just houses, but also cookies – that matter a lot to her bottom line “especially this season with having to replace my shop windows; as you can imagine those are not cheap and this is a slower time for me so these really get me through the holidays.” You can order kit(s) online at curbside-store.square.site. (Part of the proceeds also benefit West Seattle Food Bank.)
Now that December has begun, January is in view, and it’s not too soon to think about resolutions for 2026. If you’re thinking about volunteering, here’s an option: Volunteer to talk with adult English-language learners who want to practice conversation skills.
A new conversation circle is starting up at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), Friday afternoons, 12:30 pm to 2 pm, January 9 through March 13, in partnership with Literacy Source. If you’re interested in volunteering, email carolines@literacysource.org (and if you’re a beginning/intermediate English-language learner interested in participating, just show up on January 9).
The Kiwanis Club of West Seattle‘s main mission is to support local youth – including local Scout troops and Key Clubs at local high schools. One way to help them do that is to buy tickets for their annual holiday Pancake Breakfast, coming up December 6 (one week from tomorrow, with Santa photos as part of the deal). Another way: Bid in their online auction, with items up for grabs including shopping sprees at West Seattle businesses. The auction is open now and you can bid by going here! You can also buy Pancake Breakfast tickets at the Kiwanis’s booth at the south end of the West Seattle Farmers’ Market this Sunday – 10 am-2 pm, California/Alaska. (WSB is a community co-sponsor of the Pancake Breakfast.)
West Seattle is served by two food banks. Most of the peninsula is in the jurisdiction of the West Seattle Food Bank. But south West Seattle is in the jurisdiction of the White Center Food Bank. And as with WSFB, it’s faced with growing need. “While SNAP/food stamp benefits have been temporarily restored, uncertainty remains and the demand on our services continues to grow. We were stretched thin even before these shifts, and we are actively working to ensure we can continue meeting the evolving needs of our community,” writes WCFB’s Randy Nguyen in the food bank’s “end-of-year appeal,” which we were asked to share. They’re thankful for “incredible support, from hosted food drives to financial donations and volunteer hours, all of which have helped us keep our community fed,” but now is the time to step it up: “This season is a crucial time for nonprofits, and every gift helps us meet the growing needs of families, seniors, and individuals who rely on our services, while ensuring we can keep the community fed into the new year, when donations decline but demand remains steady.” Last year, WCFB distributed more than 1.6 million pounds of food, and this year’s total will be higher. They’re asking you, if you can, to make a tax-deductible gift before year’s end – just go here.
Friends of Roxhill Elementary are gathering community support for families at their “small but mighty” school – here’s the request we were asked to share:
This year, more than any in recent memory, families at Roxhill Elementary are reaching out for support. With rising costs, limited government assistance, and growing food insecurity, more than 50 of our families have asked for help with groceries and basic essentials. That’s why we’re turning to our West Seattle community to help us ensure these families are supported through our Winter Basic Needs Fundraiser.
Roxhill is a small-but-mighty Title I school in the south end of West Seattle, serving approximately 250 students. 60% of our students qualify for free and reduced lunch, and more than 72% come from BIPOC communities. What truly defines our school, though, is our strong sense of community—our commitment to showing up for one another in meaningful ways.
During winter break, many students lose access to the free breakfasts and lunches they rely on during the school year. Our goal is to bridge that gap so families can keep everyone fed throughout the holidays. If you are in a position to give, please consider donating to Friends of Roxhill. 100% of your contribution goes directly to supporting families.
Together, we can show every Roxhill family that they are seen, valued, and cared for. Please consider making a donation today.
Five years after Atticus Caudle, then an eighth grader, started what’s become a family tradition – a drive-up/ride-up donation drive collecting food and coats, he flew home from college pre-dawn today to get here in time. The Caudles hope you can help fill the West Seattle Food Bank‘s van, in a season where WSFB says food need is up more than 60 percent (and need for coats/jackets is always strong):
Donors were arriving even as we stopped in to check in:
They’re in the parking lot behind Hope Lutheran, entry off westbound SW Oregon, either via 41st SW or the alley east of 42nd SW, until 3 pm. Just pull in and they’ll do the unloading!
Highland Park Elementary students won’t get an outdoor experience unless grant money is raised. Here’s the request we received to share with you:
Let’s Keep the Highland Park Elementary Overnight Camp Tradition Alive!
For decades, Highland Park Elementary 5th graders have spent an unforgettable week at Camp Sealth, building confidence, resilience, and connection with nature.
This year, state budget cuts canceled our Outdoor Learning Grant—and we need to raise $15,000 to make camp possible.
Highland Park is a wonderfully diverse West Seattle school — 71% of our students are from minority backgrounds, and about 60% are classified as economically disadvantaged. Many of our students have never had the chance to experience an overnight outdoor camp, and this program would provide an incredible opportunity for learning, teamwork, and connection with nature.
The crowdfunding link is here.
If you have food and/or coats/jackets to donate, but haven’t been able to haul the item(s) to a local donation site yet, the most convenient drive of the season is coming up Saturday (November 22):
The Caudle Family‘s annual drive-up/ride-up donation drive in the lot behind Hope Lutheran started with son Atticus organizing it as a middle-schooler in 2020 (with almost a ton of donations!); this year, it’s happening earlier than past years, as he’ll be home from college to be part of it. Just bring your donation(s) to the lot, entrance on the north side of SW Oregon just east of 42nd SW, 10 am-3 pm Saturday!
Once again this year, John Moore‘s insurance agency is collecting Toys for Tots, and you’re invited to donate. John, a longtime WSB sponsor, sent word of this year’s drive along with a big change for his agency:
(2024 photo)
Each year our agency participates in the Toys for Tots donation drive. Each year I am amazed by the generosity of our clients and our community. This year I know we can do it again, but we need your help. While we may have officially changed our name – Northwest Insurance Group is now Highstreet Insurance – we remain the same great team, providing the same level of service and protection our clients have come to know and expect. Three years ago, I joined Highstreet Insurance, part of a national brokerage, to provide something bigger to my team and our clients. Now, with partners across the country, access to the entire insurance marketplace, and the ability to offer more benefits to our clients, we are stronger than ever. We are excited for the future; we are excited to be part of a bigger team while we remain committed to protecting where we live and work. You will still find us in the same location on California Ave, we still have the same great team in place, and we still know how important it is to support our local community. We are thrilled to serve as a drop-off location for the Toys for Tots toy drive this year and we encourage everyone who can help spread some joy and holiday cheer to local kids in need this season.
John and the rest of his Highstreet Insurance West Seattle team are at 5431 California SW, and open for dropoffs weekdays from 8 am to 4:30 pm.
With high-school basketball season starting soon, Chief Sealth International High School Basketball is not only practicing, but also launching “Play It Forward” – supporters sent this explanation of what it’s all about and how the wider community will benefit too:
Chief Sealth Basketball Launches “Play It Forward,” A Community Effort to Boost Students and Spirit
Something special is taking shape at Chief Sealth International High School this fall.
The school’s basketball teams have united to launch a new initiative called Play It Forward, a community-based campaign that blends basketball, service, and hope. The goal is to raise $8,000 by November 30, to equip student-athletes with needed gear while also inspiring them to give back through community service.
For every $100 raised, players will complete one hour of service, tutoring younger students, volunteering at local events, or helping neighbors in need. The idea is simple but powerful: when the community invests in its youth, those same young people invest right back
.
Like many of our local public schools, Chief Sealth has faced some difficult years, yet the students continue to demonstrate remarkable talent, heart, and leadership on and off the court.“Our kids show up every day with heart and purpose, and they hear all the things about being the ‘other’ school in West Seattle,” says Boys Head Coach Ja’Lyn Combs. “As someone who works in the building and preaches community to our students and staff, what better way to invite the community to be more involved in some of the great things happening with our student-athletes.”
Play It Forward is designed to give these students visible reminders of that pride. From warm-ups, backpacks, and uniforms to transportation to games outside of the Metro League, these things remind them that they belong, that they matter, and that they represent something bigger than themselves.
“Basketball is just the starting point,” said Combs. “We’re building young men and women who understand discipline, service, and pride in where they come from. Every hour of community work our players do matters. It’s how we change the story for Sealth because there is nothing like giving back to the community that shows up to support you.”
Both the Boys and Girls coaches are deeply invested in mentoring student-athletes beyond basketball, helping them build confidence, character, and community awareness.
Meet the Coaches Leading the Charge
Girls’ Head Coach Wilfredo Pablo is a Chief Sealth graduate who returned to give back to the school that shaped him. He also runs Trill Drills and Skills, a local youth basketball academy focused on fundamentals, fun, and personal growth.
Boys’ Head Coach Ja’Lyn Combs, now in his second year, brings championship experience from the Garfield High School basketball program and works as the Restorative Practice Coordinator for Chief Sealth’s Restorative Practice Program.
“This is more than a fundraiser,” added Girls Head Coach Will Pablo. “It’s about keeping the community spirit going and helping these young people build pride, unity, and a sense of belonging, reminding everyone that Chief Sealth’s story is one of growth, resilience, and strength.”
How to Get Involved
Community members are invited to donate, attend games, and follow the students’ progress as they “play it forward” through service projects and team milestones.
To contribute or learn more, visit our fundraising page here!
Chief Sealth Girls Basketball | Metro League
Chief Sealth Boys Basketball | Metro LeagueBecause a win for our students is a win for the Community, and a win for our future.
Both varsity teams’ first games of the season are set for December 1st.
Two food drives in West Seattle this weekend – one on Saturday, one on Sunday – if you are able to help, here’s how:
‘FILL THE TRUCK’ WITH FOOD @ LAFAYETTE ELEMENTARY: The Lafayette Elementary PTA is organizing this:
On Saturday, November 15th from 9 am – noon, Lafayette Elementary School will be supporting the West Seattle Food Bank by collecting canned and non-perishable food for a “Fill the Truck” community food drive.
This food drive was initiated by Lafayette’s PTA in response to SNAP benefit access, government worker and military impacts during the long shutdown, and the upcoming holiday season. Help our school “Fill the Truck” and in turn assist the members of our community who are facing food insecurity.
A West Seattle Food Bank collection van will be parked out front of Lafayette Elementary (2645 California Ave SW) to collect donations from the surrounding WS community on November 15th from 9am – Noon. Any non-perishable donations from our community at-large (West Seattle neighbors, local businesses, other students and their families) are very welcome and appreciated!
These collections will be directly donated to the food bank, along with the Lafayette students’ collections from the two weeks leading up to the drive.
The WSFB’s current need list is in our calendar listing for this drive.
ALKI UCC FOOD DRIVE: Every month, Alki UCC has an in-person donation drive; here’s the list of food they’re hoping to collect this Sunday, 11 am-3 pm:
This Month’s Priority Need:
FOOD!! Feed the People!The Alki UCC Donations Drive helps stock the food pantry at “The Welcome Table,” Westside Interfaith Network’s weekly hot meal program.
Needed Pantry Items include Peanut Butter, Canned Meats/Tuna/Veggies/Fruit, Vegetable Soup, Beans, Low-Sugar Cereal (ie Cheerios or Chex), Rice, Powdered Milk, Applesauce, Snack Packs.
Pet Food in marked Ziploc bags is also welcome, as well as gift cards to local grocery stores.
Bring your donations anytime to Alki UCC’s front-porch barrel but especially this Sunday for our monthly in-person drive.
Alki UCC is at 6115 SW Hinds.
The holiday season is about to accelerate. Lots of special events in the next few days, including the “Treasures and Treats” sale at Providence Mount St. Vincent (4831 35th SW; WSB sponsor) – here’s their announcement:
Celebrate the season with your Mount neighbors supporting a good cause!
You’re invited to Providence Mount St. Vincent’s ‘Treasures and Treats Holiday Sale and Bake Sale’! Join the fun and discover unique gifts and delicious treats while supporting The Mount in their renovation of their cafeteria into a welcoming bistro for their residents.
November 14th and 15th
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: 4831 35th Ave SW — in The Mount’s Front LobbyThe Mount’s Emilie’s Treasures Thrift Shop will also be open extended hours this week, through November 15th, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily — perfect for finding gently used treasures for everyone on your Christmas list.
Calling All Bakers!
Want to help in a different way? Donate nut-free, individually wrapped baked goods ahead of the sale at the Volunteer Services office (1st floor). Your tasty treats will make the bake sale even better!
Bring your friends and family, shop for a great cause, and spread holiday cheer. Together, we’ll make the Bistro Campaign a success and kick off the season with joy.
Chances are that you haven’t answered this year’s Seattle Public Safety Survey yet, since researchers say they’ve received replies from only about a third of one percent of the people who live in the Southwest Precinct jurisdiction (West Seattle and South Park). We first told you about it a month ago; it’s only open for another two weeks. Seattle University researchers oversee it, and, they explain, “A report on the survey results will be provided to the Seattle Police Department to help them better understand your neighborhood’s safety and security concerns, and community-police dialogues will be held in May-August 2026 to provide opportunities for police-community engagement about the results.” The survey is available until November 30, in Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, English, Korean, Oromo, Somali, Spanish, Tagalog, Tigrinya, and Vietnamese, all linked here.
By Torin Record-Sand
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
West Seattle Indivisible members gathered Sunday for the first time since last month’s second nationwide No Kings demonstration, and while plans for the next protest were part of the discussion, the most urgent topic was community support in a time of growing need.
More than 70 people showed up for Sunday’s meeting at the Center for Active Living in The Junction. Organizers Laurie Reinhardt and Amy Daly-Donovan said they saw this meeting as a sign of their movement’s growth and potential for more of it. “[We’re here to talk tonight about] how we can spread our tentacles, how we can grow and reach, in ways we aren’t able to do today.” said Reinhardt.
They began with a debrief of the second No Kings demonstration on October 18th, held in many locations, including here in West Seattle at The Junction. West Seattle Indivisible said its final count for the rally here was around 1,500 attendees, five times the number who gathered here the day of the first No Kings demonstration.
But mainly they looked toward the future. The biggest announcement for the night was that West Seattle Indivisible is tentatively planning a march for late January, roughly around the time of last year’s inauguration, on either January 17th or 24th. They plan to start around Hiawatha Playfield and proceed to The Junction. One planned feature, a member from the events-planning team said, is an artistic procession of signs: “We want to create 365 signs to embody this year, one for each day naming what we have lost, a display reminding us and the public that our grief is collective, and that these things we have lost are not gone forever, and we are fighting to keep them or fighting to get them back.” They are in talks this week to plan the event, including obtaining permits from the city.
Attendees also heard more immediate ways to take civic action to support neighbors in need.
Keith Hughes of the Westside Neighbors Shelter took the podium, speaking to the need for the shelter. “We are a [non-profit] organization, all of our support comes from this community, […] and a lot of people working at that level together makes a difference,” Hughes said. He said that the shelter had hosted 72 people the previous day, and that recently there has been a sharp increase in the amount of people the shelter has served, so donations to help cover the shelter’s costs are welcome.
Hughes closed his pitch with a somber anecdote relating to the shelter’s need increasing because of the fedeerak government shutdown: “I have right now six ladies coming to the shelter every morning for breakfast, in their late 50s and 60s. All of them are government employees who have been laid off [because of the shutdown]. […] The face of homelessness is changing, and it’s changing quickly. It’s not just drug addicts and alcoholics on the street – it’s people like you and me who have lost their job, and we need to stand up for them in these tough times.”
West Seattle Indivisible members also heard from two representatives of the West Seattle Mutual Aid Party. “We are a mutual aid group, working out of the Highland Park neighborhood, with members all over West Seattle and White Center, helping to support unhoused neighbors. We provide [things like] food, water, hygiene items, survival supplies; we help fill in those gaps that aren’t being served by [public] programs,” they said, adding, “Even though we can’t change material circumstances overnight, we can make things a little safer.”
They said that people interested in the West Seattle Mutual Aid Party could attend one of two events they were hosting this week: their monthly arts and crafts night tomorrow (Tuesday, November 11), 4:30-8 PM at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), and CPR/Overdose Response training on Wednesday the 12th at The Heron’s Nest (4818 Puget Way SW).
Kate, who described herself as a “recent Chicago transplant,” passed out small whistles to meeting attendees on behalf of the Washington Whistle Warriors. She said she was inspired to take up the cause after activists in Chicago recently used whistles as a way of communicating to neighbors and fellow officers that ICE officers were in the area. If you’d like to find out more about her organization, you can visit the Whistle Warriors’ page here.
The gathering also was intended to gather supplies for local food banks, particularly the West Seattle Food Bank and White Center Food Bank. “As we know, we’re in another precarious moment in the midst of the Trump Administration, where SNAP benefits are being threatened. But people have come to the table to contribute to local food banks and mutual aid efforts,” said Reinhardt. They planned to bring a large amount of donations from the meeting to WCFB this afternoon.
The group also talked about the importance of conversation. Group leaders said that between this meeting and the prior one, they held a challenge for each member to talk to at least ten other people about difficult political subjects. Many participated, and at least one member, Donna, said they’ll continue focusing on ways to engage others in conversation.
The organizers also passed out a flyer to all attendees with 13 actions members could take. Many of these actions reflected the same messages shared by the speakers of the night – donate to mutual-aid organizations and continue strengthening the organization. But they also emphasized that members should contact their representatives on political issues they care about, such as phoning congressional representatives, or participating in Postcards 4 Democracy.
Daly-Donovan also encouraged members to consider several other organizations for mutual-aid support, such as the Long Haul Kitchen, and for members to see the Mutual Aid Hub website for other local opportunities.
The meeting ended with a potluck, and more conversation.
As we get started on Monday, here’s a reason to look forward to Friday, as announced by the West Seattle High School PTSA:
West Seattle High School PTSA will host its Fall Fundraiser on Friday, November 14 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the WSHS Commons.
Tickets are $25 and available here.
WSHS PTSA is an independent non-profit organization that supports the students and faculty of WSHS with programs, grants and advocacy. Proceeds from last year’s Fall Fundraiser helped make 30 teacher and student club grants possible. The grants have brought writers to ninth-grade classes to mentor students, provided clay and glazes for ceramics classes, bought couches for the school library, and much more.
Tickets include Mediterranean heavy appetizers and a special non-alcoholic mixed drink. The evening’s entertainment will include a performance by a WSHS student jazz ensemble. You will also have a chance to buy ceramic pieces by WSHS 3-D Art students and photographs by students in WSHS 2-D Art classes.
A silent auction will include dozens of gift cards and fun experiences from West Seattle businesses. And a live auction will feature a band-signed Pearl Jam show poster (above) inspired by Mark Twain‘s ‘The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn,’ a one-of-a-kind dinner at Canlis, an unforgettable date night at Pike Place, and more.
If you cannot attend, but would like to make a donation please go to https://wshsptsa.ejoinme.org/tickets2025.
Contact Paul Bugala (president@wshsptsa.org) with any questions.
Reminders about some of the ways you can give this weekend if you’re able to – clothing as well as food:
CLOTHING, FOOD DRIVES AT JOINER JAMBOREE: Tomorrow brings the first-ever West Seattle Joiner Jamboree (11 am-3 pm at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church, 3050 California SW) and it includes warm-clothing and food drives, organizers remind us:
The Admiral Congregational United Church of Christ will have a volunteer group at our entrance collecting Warm Clothing for distribution to our Westside Neighbors Shelter and Westside Interfaith Network — both groups have tables at the Jamboree.
The White Center Food Bank will have a barrel to accept non-perishable food donations at the event entry.
WEST SEATTLE FOOD BANK DRIVE AT PCC: Almost directly across the street from the Jamboree, West Seattle Food Bank will be on site at PCC West Seattle (2749 California SW; WSB sponsor) both days this weekend as the store kicks off another donation drive for WSFB, as previewed here – you can give either money or nonperishable food.
WEST SEATTLE THRIFTWAY WSFB DRIVE CONTINUES: In a comment on last night’s event coverage, Shelby from West Seattle Thriftway (California/Fauntleroy; WSB sponsor) said the store will continue its WSFB drive through the weekend. Last night they matched more than $6,000 in monetary donations for the food bank, for a total $12,000+ donation with the one-night special match, and they’re hoping customers will give another $8,000 this weekend so they can send WSFB $20,000.
Got a bike you don’t need any more? Here’s a way to ensure it’s used and loved!
Chief Sealth’s Bike Club is thriving, thanks in large part to the incredible generosity of the West Seattle community. Last year was our first year, and it was a huge success. After putting out a call for bike donations on the blog, we were blown away by the response — so many of you offered bikes, gear, and supplies!
With generous support from Alki Bike and Board, which donated tires, tubes, and discounted supplies, students spent the winter learning the basics of bike maintenance. Together, we repaired and gave away more than 20 donated bikes to student riders (along with helmets, of course).
In the spring, we pivoted from wrenching to riding! Interest grew so quickly that we expanded from one to two group rides each week. During these rides, students practiced safe city-riding skills, learned to communicate in groups, and built confidence (and fitness) on the hills of West Seattle. Now, as we wrap up our fall riding season, we’re looking ahead to winter — we are excited to launch our Second Annual Bike Donation Drive. We want to give students new projects to work on while continuing to grow our community of young riders.
Do you have a bike that’s gathering dust in your garage? Donate it to Chief Sealth Bike Club and help a student discover the joy and independence of cycling. We’re happy to accept all kinds of bikes — even those that need a little TLC (new tires, tubes, or a chain).
If you’d like to donate a bike or have questions about the club, please email Andy Tuller at artuller@seattleschools.org. Thank you for helping keep our community rolling!
With the SNAP funding situation not yet settled, many people are still scrambling to figure out how to feed themselves and their families. We have word today of two more ways to help the West Seattle Food Bank deal with the increased demand for its services, plus an update on how much that demand has increased.
We asked Robbin Peterson of WSFB for that update; she replied, “We only have stats from Tuesday – Nov. 4 was our first open day after Nov. 1 and the non-funding of SNAP. We had a 60% increase in shoppers that day over the first Tuesday of October.” She says a citywide update is expected tomorrow afternoon from the Seattle Food Committee. And here’s why the situation is even more dire for those in need: “Area food banks learned yesterday that while SNAP is being funded at the 50% level for November, that will not result in families receiving half of their benefits. Instead, the USDA is decreasing the maximum SNAP allotment by half, then calculating benefits as normal using this lower ceiling. With this formula, most SNAP recipients will receive far less than half their normal benefit. Between court proceedings and the time needed for DSHS to recalculate November benefits, SNAP recipients will experience a significant delay – in addition to less funding – in food assistance this month.”
So here are two more ways to help WSFB help more neighbors than ever:
THRIFTWAY MATCH TONIGHT: Compiling some advance information for tonight’s West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) Holiday Taste (4-7 pm), we learned the store is matching monetary donations made at checkouts during the event – that means your money will count double!
PCC FOOD/$ DRIVE STARTS FRIDAY: Announced by WSFB, PCC-West Seattle (WSB sponsor) is expanding its planned WSFB-support drive:
Starting this Friday, November 7, and now running through the end of the month, Admiral PCC will be hosting a food drive to benefit the West Seattle Food Bank.
Shoppers can support neighbors facing food insecurity by purchasing for donation shelf-stable items or making a financial contribution.
West Seattle Food Bank representatives will be on site Saturday Nov. 8th and Sunday Nov. 9th to connect with shoppers, answer questions, and share information about how to receive help or get involved during this critical time.
The third PCC food drive of the year in support of WSFB, this one comes at a critical time when food banks are under increased pressure to provide additional nutrition to families who rely on SNAP benefits.
You can of course donate directly to WSFB online here. Part of our area also is served by the White Center Food Bank, whose donation link is here.
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