Entry on swap day is $20, and proceeds go directly to supporting Leaps and Bounds’ and our West Seattle families. You can purchase tickets in advance as well as a raffle ticket for a chance at early entry to get first pick at the fabulous finds at leapsandboundswa.org/swap

Participants are encouraged to bring gently used women’s clothing (clothes, shoes, purses/accessories) that are clean, in good condition, and free from stains. Be sure to label your donations with your name and contact information in case of any mix-ups. No personal undergarments please.

Leaps and Bounds has been sponsoring WSB this week to get word out even-more widely about the swap.

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Even as another near-freezing night begins, and as the possibility of snow lurks in the forecast, we have reason to think summer: Registration is open for this year’s Loop the ‘Lupe, with participation options including Seattle’s only 5K obstacle course! WSB has long been a community co-sponsor of Loop the ‘Lupe, and we’re sharing this announcement from organizers:

The early deadline for the BEST price on Loop the ‘Lupe, the only obstacle-course race in Seattle city limits, expires on Friday, January 31st! Register before midnight on January 31, use the coupon NEWYEAR5 at checkout, and save up to 40% off what you’d pay on race day. (Psst: Lock down even more discounts when you register 4+ people at a time!) Loop the ‘Lupe is Saturday, June 7, at Walt Hundley Playfield.

Sign up at loopthelupe.com.

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High-school students!

Do you want to represent youth as a voice in your community and gain valuable nonprofit board experience?

The West Seattle & Fauntleroy YMCA is looking for high school students to apply for our two youth board slots, which begin September 2025.

Our Youth Board Members attend our local YMCA Board Meetings, learn about the Y’s programs and bring a youth voice to our work.

Steps:
– Fill out the application and include one reference.
– If you are selected for an interview, we will contact you to set it up in Spring 2025.
– The board service year is from Sept 2025 – June 2026.

Benefits to you:
– 15-20 volunteer service hours
– A letter of recommendation from our Board Chair
– Valuable experience serving on a nonprofit board
– Community connections

Timeline:
– Applications are due March 1, 2025
– Interviews for finalists will take place April-May 2025
– Youth Board Members will begin term in Sept 2025

Apply: tinyurl.com/westseattley

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HOMESTREET BANK DRIVE: The bank at 4022 SW Alaska (a longtime WSB sponsor) is a dropoff spot for these items:

The West Seattle HomeStreet Branch is taking donations in the form of hats, gloves, shirts, socks, sweatshirts, coats, and travel-sized toothpaste. Socks will need to be new. Other items should be clean or gently used.

The bank is open 9:30 am-5 pm Mondays-Thursdays, 9:30 am-6 pm Fridays.

FOOD (AND OTHER) NEEDS AT SHELTER: Shelter volunteer Laurie sent this:

Shelter operator Keith Hughes has made a list of what we’ve been using to keep everyone fed:

Regular cheap bread that fits in a toaster, 4 loaves per day
Milk, 3 gallons per day
Eggs, 7 to 9 dozen per day
Butter, 4 pounds per day
Regular oatmeal (not instant), 6 to 8 cups per day
Potatoes, 5 to 7 pounds per day
Toilet paper, 4 rolls per day (a Costco 24-roll pack per week)
Paper towels, 2 rolls per day (a Costco 12-roll pack per week)
10-inch paper plates, 100 per day
20 oz paper bowls, 100 per day
12 oz hot cups, 100 per day

If you’re able to donate any of these items, the need right now is greater than ever. Some of these items are on our Amazon wish list, so you can just order them to be delivered. Or, you can drop donations by the shelter between 7 and 11 am, or between 5 and 9 pm.

The shelter is at 3618 SW Alaska, in the American Legion Post 160/West Seattle Veteran Center building.

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I’m partnering with Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association to plant a Miyawaki Forest near Longfellow Creek. This exciting project will take place near the intersection of 29th Ave SW & SW Brandon St.

Our first work party is scheduled for Saturday, February 1st, from 10 AM to 1 PM, and we’re looking for volunteers to join us. During the event, we’ll focus on removing invasive species to prepare the site for planting native trees and shrubs. No prior experience is needed. We’ll provide tools, gloves, and guidance! Volunteers should bring sturdy shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and plenty of enthusiasm for greening our city.

A Miyawaki Forest is created using the methods pioneered by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki. This approach plants a dense mix of native species in small areas, fostering biodiversity and creating thriving ecosystems. Similar projects have been established in Georgetown and at North Seattle College.

Interested participants can RSVP here: dnda.org/events/miyawaki-forest-at-longfellow-creek

The Georgetown site mentioned in the announcement is this one we covered a year ago – we’ll get back there soon to see how it’s going.

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We are completely out of stocking caps and gloves, and getting short on blankets and pillows. We have been taking care of 55 to 60 people every night with this very cold weather week. Thanks for your continued support.

The shelter is at 3618 SW Alaska. Donation-dropoff hours are on its website.

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Every month, Alki UCC invites community members to join in a one-day donation drive with dropoffs outside the church. We usually include the list in our daily event roundups; sometimes we also get a chance to mention it in advance, so that’s what we’re doing tonight, in case you have anything to gather up tonight. Here’s the announcement from the church:

Alki UCC Donations Drive Sunday, January 19
6115 SW Hinds
11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Front Courtyard

This month’s priority: Blankets, Warm Outerwear, and NEW SOCKS, SOCKS, SOCKS!

Also needed:

Non-perishable food, men’s work clothing, hygiene items, and outdoor gear: tents, tarps, blankets, etc.

Donations are distributed through the Westside Interfaith Network Saturday lunch, hosted in White Center. Deepest gratitude to our community for your generous support of our neighbors in need.

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The West Seattle Junction business district has been nicknamed “Downtown West Seattle.” Its businesses comprise the West Seattle Junction Association, one of more than a dozen such “business improvement associations” around the city, and it’s led by a board. Right now that board has three vacancies, and we learned this week from WSJA executive director Chris Mackay that one of those board spots is open to community members who are not part of the business community. You’d be expected to attend a monthly in-person meeting – fourth Wednesdays, except August and September, noon at Windermere West Seattle (4526 California SW) – and to serve for three years. The WSJA oversees and organizes events from West Seattle Summer Fest, Hometown Holidays, and the Halloween/Fall Festival to Art Walk, Wine Walk, and Book Club, as well as a variety of other programs and services large and small, from flower baskets to flags to cleaning and security services. Want to be part of overseeing all that? Contact Mackay at chris@wsjunction.org – applications are open until February 15, and new members will be elected at the annual membership meeting in late March.

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By Aspen Anderson
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

A reader asked WSB to compile a list of volunteering opportunities for MLK Day of Service next Monday (January 20). Local options aren’t plentiful, but here’s what we’ve found so far.

Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association: Plant Trees
Event: Plant Trees for MLK Day of Service
Plant native trees and shrubs, remove invasive plants and mulch new plantings.
Time: 10:00 am – 01:00 pm
Location: Pigeon Point Park, 1901 SW Genesee
Registration: Sign up as an individual or group on the DNDA website
Bring: Dress for rain or shine with long pants, layers, closed-toe shoes and rain gear. Bring water and work gloves if you have them. Youth under 18 need a signed waiver.
They provide: Tools, gloves, light snacks, and training on restoration activities and safety.

Green Seattle Partnership: Lincoln Park
Event: Lincoln Park – MLK Day of Service
Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Lincoln Park, West Seattle
Help remove invasive plants (e.g. blackberry, ivy, holly) and make room for native trees and plants.
Registration: Register here (a few spots are left)
Bring: Dress for winter Seattle weather. Bring a signed Youth Participant Waiver Form if under 18. Wear closed-toe, sturdy shoes or boots. Bring a personal water bottle, garden/work gloves (if you have them), and dress in NW layers.
Where to Meet: Near the map kiosk in the NORTH parking lot on Fauntleroy Way SW (and SW Rose St).
Parking: NORTH parking lot or street parking on Fauntleroy Way.
Bus: The RapidRide C Line stops at SW Rose St by the parking lot.
Contact: Lisa McGinty (lmcginty206@gmail.com), WSHS Earth Club Leaders: tatumpaddock20@gmail.com or cmlewis260@gmail.com.

Neighborhood House
Event: MLK Day of Service – Facility Cleanup
At Neighborhood House High Point, this volunteer opportunity focuses on cleaning and organizing various sites to ensure welcoming and functional spaces for families. Pick up trash, dust windows, organize boxes, power wash, beautify playgrounds, organize files, and move furniture.
Time: 11:00 am – 2:00 pm (volunteers are encouraged to dedicate 4 hours.)
Location: 6400 Sylvan Way SW
Registration: Register here
Bring: Dress comfortably for cleaning and outdoor work.

A Cleaner Alki: Lincoln Park
The local cleanup coalition says Genesee Hill Elementary School is organizing a Block Drop cleanup at Lincoln Park for MLK Jr. Day. Participants can meet at the south parking lot near the ferry dock, with options to head into the upper park or down to the beach. Additional park-sprucing projects may be available, especially near the beach.
Time: Monday 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: Lincoln Park / South Lot, 8617 Fauntleroy Way SW
Parking: Park in the south lot by the water side near the birdhouse.
Bus: The RapidRide C Line stops nearby.
Registration: No registration required. All are welcome to join.

YMCA West Seattle (WSB sponsor)
Event: Annual MLK Day of Service (Details TBD)
The YMCA in West Seattle typically organizes volunteer activities in honor of MLK Day, although nothing formal has been published yet.
Registration: It is recommended to register as a volunteer in advance.
Keep an eye on the YMCA’s website for updates and specific event details.

Find more volunteer opportunities outside of West Seattle here and here. And if you have anything local to add – please let us know, westseattleblog@gmail.com, so we can add it – thank you!

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Back in September, dozens of volunteers gathered at Alki for an International Coastal Cleanup event. There are certainly everyday cleanup heroes working in our area year-round – like A Cleaner Alki – but the September event was the first time regional organizations held their flagship event here, and now Puget Soundkeeper has released a report on the regional results:

In an exceptional display of community commitment, more than 741 volunteers removed 2,600 pounds of debris during International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) events across the Puget Sound from August through December 2024. Across 13 cleanup events from Seattle to the San Juan Islands, volunteers collectively tackled the growing impact of litter and plastic pollution, making an impact on the health of Puget Sound.

Since its inception in 1986, the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) movement has been a global initiative by the Ocean Conservancy to document and remove debris from beaches and waterways globally. Every year, Puget Soundkeeper serves as the regional coordinator for ICC events across Puget Sound and works alongside several partner organizations who make these efforts possible.

“In a time where it seems like there’s a lot of negative news spreading over social media, it’s truly inspiring to see so many volunteers and people come out to commit their time and energy toward making our waterways safer and healthier for future generation,” said Tanya Balaji, the Stewardship and Education Manager at Puget Soundkeeper.

2024 was a special year for the ICC movement as for the first time in history, the Ocean Conservancy hosted its flagship ICC event in Seattle and more than 200 volunteers gathered at Alki Beach on September 21st to celebrate the movement. “Despite 2024’s cleanups showing the power of collective action, it highlights the importance of advocating and fighting for legislation that targets pollution at its sources,” added Balaji. For more information about our 2024 ICC report, click here.

Puget Soundkeeper Alliance remains committed to continuing our cleanup efforts while advocating for policies that prevent pollution at its source, including working on the 2025 Recycling Reform Act. Moreover, Puget Soundkeeper Alliance, alongside its partner organizations across the state, will also continue organizing ICC events throughout the Fall of 2025.

Though the total weight wasn’t huge, as our September 21 coverage showed, volunteers were encouraged to look for small debris, which post the most harm to marine life from potential ingestion and other risks. The full report, including the list of top types of debris, and how to report what you might find year-round, is embedded at the bottom of this page. Best way you can help reduce the need for this? Use less plastic. Even if you think you’re disposing of it properly, it has a nasty way of ending up as pollution just the same.

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(WSB file photo: Rainbow Bingo @ what’s now Center for Active Living)

If you’re already ready to plan next weekend, here’s a rare chance: Some tickets remain for The Center for Active Living‘s next session of Rainbow Bingo! It starts at 6 pm Friday night (January 17) and this month’s theme is “Slumber Party” – you can come dressed for the theme, or not. Rainbow Bingo raises money for the center’s programs serving local seniors; your $35 ticket includes “entry, entertainment, dauber, and one food item decided by our Chef.” Beverages, with or without alcohol, are available for purchase. You can get your ticket(s) right now by going here. The Center is in The Junction, at 4217 SW Oregon.

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(Photos from GoFundMe.com page)

This happened three weeks ago in Belltown; we just learned about it this week when we got a note about a crowdfunding campaign to cover some of his expenses.

The driver, Jason Yates, has lived in West Seattle for 15 years, Arbor Heights for the past 10. His partner Sara Currie says he spent more than four years delivering a West Seattle route. He’s worked for UPS for 17 years.

We requested the police narrative for the incident after hearing from Sara. The narrative says Jason told police he parked his UPS truck in an alley in the 300 block of Lenora to make deliveries. The attacker’s vehicle, a dark SUV, was behind him, and another vehicle pulled behind that one, “trapping” the attacker, who asked Jason to move his truck so he could get out of the alley. According to the report, Jason said he had to make a delivery first. The attacker then is reported to have thrown a glass bottle at Jason, and then pinned him against a garage gate; Jason pulled out his phone to try to get a photo of the attacker, who then punched him in the head several times. A witness who saw this from a nearby building also confirmed seeing the attacker get out of his vehicle and punch Jason repeatedly, before backing out to leave the alley. Someone nearby got his license-plate number and gave it to police, who wrote in the report that it checked to an address in Federal Way, but said nothing more about the investigation status.

Sara says Jason spent more than a week in the hospital, and has more treatment and therapy ahead for head and body injuries; the crowdfunding campaign is meant to help cover those expenses as well as lost wages since he can’t work, and any costs incurred in pursuing justice in the case.

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Anyone participating in the fundraiser just needs to order a minimum of 3 dinners off our regular menu. All orders must be placed by Friday, January 24th and picked up by January 28th.

Orders can be placed at dreamdinners.com/westseattle. Anyone can order – current customers or new customers! They can place as many orders as they want. The most important thing is that anyone that orders needs to put MADWEB in the special instructions so we can keep track of money! We will donate 10% of all the sales with MADWEB on the order, up to $500.

Dream Dinners West Seattle’s headquarters is on the east side of outer Jefferson Square, at 41st/Alaska.

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Tomorrow starts the 2025 “build” season for Skunk Works Robotics, a regional club (shown above when they went to the world championships in 2023). They’re looking for support – here’s the explanation:

Looking for a way to give back to our community this holiday season? Skunk Works Robotics, a local FIRST Robotics team comprised of students in grades 8-12 from the Burien and West Seattle communities, is asking for help in raising funds for this season’s robot-build season that starts January 4. The team is currently running a fundraising campaign that is being matched by a very generous supporter up to $5,000, and although they have raised over $4,000, they have extended their goal deadline and need our help in getting to the $5,000 mark by January 15. This match is especially critical, as they have come up against unexpected and unbudgeted monthly building rental costs starting in January. These unexpected costs could hinder their ability to provide scholarships and fully fund their build and travel season, which involves designing and building a 125 lb. competition robot in 8 weeks, and traveling to two local competitions, the regional competition in Cheney, WA, and hopefully with your support, the FIRST Robotics Worlds competition in Houston, Texas, which they last attended in 2023.

Skunk Works Robotics is a 4-H community team and has served Highline and Seattle students for over 18 years. The team’s volunteer coaches and mentors, some of whom have been with the team since its inception in 2006, provide an invaluable, hands-on STEM education to any local student, regardless of financial situation, and have helped the team boast a 100% college acceptance rate and access to successful careers in STEM fields.

You can learn more at their website https://www.skunkworks1983.com/. Donations can be made online at their Donate page or by mailing a check made out to Skunk Works Robotics Booster Club, P.O. Box 81062, Seattle, WA 98108 – just note your donation is for the Matching Campaign, which ends January 15. Follow along on their 2025 season here.

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(At Dave Newman State Farm Insurance’s office: Kristy Hoppenrath, Rodger Tanner)

The West Seattle Food Bank/Clothesline clothing and food drive continues at Dave Newman State Farm Insurance in West Seattle. We have already taken a truckload of clothes to the Helpline, and we’ll drop off another load this Thursday. Our plan is to continue collecting donations of clothing and food through the end of January.

Thanks so much to those who dropped off much-needed cold-weather clothing and food, and thanks to the West Seattle Food Bank and Clothesline for their hard work.

The Dave Newman State Farm Insurance office (one of WSB’s longest-running sponsors) is at 3435 California SW. The office is open for donations Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. Tuesdays 9 am to 2 pm, except for holidays.

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