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WEEKEND SCENE: West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays’ 2025 Coat Drive – with rewards
December 14, 2025 10:59 am
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 |   Holidays | How to help | Kiwanis Club of West Seattle | West Seattle news

Bring a new/lightly used coat and/or other warm clothing to the south end of the West Seattle Farmers’ Market today, and your reward will be a cup of cocoa, plus of course the knowledge you’ve done a good deed! It’s the annual West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays “Cocoa and Coat Drive,” gathering up bundles and bins full of warm clothing for the West Seattle Food Bank‘s clothing bank Clothesline. Volunteers from the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle are here to help. (above are Whit, Robbin, Sawyer, Denis from WSFB and the Kiwanis – look for the Food Bank van!) The market is on until 2 pm.

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Final weekend for West Seattle’s only nonprofit-benefiting tree lot
December 12, 2025 11:11 am
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 |   Holidays | How to help | West Seattle news

If you plan on getting a Christmas tree but don’t have it yet, the Holy Rosary School Tree Lot wants you to know this is its final weekend – here’s the announcement we were asked to share:

While we are open through December 16th, this is the last weekend of the Holy Rosary Tree Lot. Located behind the school [map], enter through the alley off Dakota. Freshly cut trees (2-10′), wreath and garland available.

Not only does the Tree Lot benefit Holy Rosary School, but a portion of the proceeds are donated to the West Seattle Food Bank and Salvation Army Hickman House. New this year, the lot is also collecting new and gently used coats for our neighbors in need at Union Gospel Mission.

Come support Holy Rosary School and local charities by purchasing your tree and greenery at the oldest, continuously run tree lot in West Seattle!

The tree lot will be open at 9 am both days this weekend, closing at 9 pm on Saturday, 8 pm on Sunday. It’s on the list of West Seattle Christmas-tree sellers you can find any time in our West Seattle Holiday Guide.

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YOU CAN HELP: Crowdfunding to compensate for cuts to outdoor-education funding
December 12, 2025 9:00 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

Sent by a Fairmount Park Elementary parent:

Fairmount Park fifth graders need West Seattle’s support to get to IslandWood in January

State cuts put IslandWood trip at risk, and the Fairmount Park community is rallying to make sure no student has to stay behind. Here’s the link to help.

Fifth graders at Fairmount Park Elementary School are heading to IslandWood in January, and they need help from the West Seattle community to make sure every student can participate.

Now in its ninth year, Fairmount Park’s overnight outdoor education trip—affectionately called “fifth grade camp”—has become one of the school’s most cherished traditions: nearly 700 Falcons have taken part over the years, building confidence, teamwork, and a deeper connection with learning and nature. This year’s fifth graders can’t wait to get there!

But the program is facing an unexpected challenge.

Earlier this year, the Washington State legislature eliminated all outdoor education funding from its two-year budget—despite evidence of outdoor education’s impact on students and strong support. Schools and outdoor education providers—including IslandWood—lost critical subsidies and grants that previously kept these immersive programs accessible for students across the state.

For Fairmount Park, the state grant that once covered most of the cost for IslandWood is gone. As a result, the per-student cost has more than doubled, putting this seminal experience out of reach for many families.

Fairmount Park has always ensured that every student can attend camp, regardless of ability to pay, and the community is determined to keep that promise.

The total cost to send 50+ fifth graders to IslandWood in January is $20,500. To keep the experience accessible to all students and address the unexpected and time-sensitive funding gap, the school community is working to raise the majority of that amount over the next month.

Here’s how much community support helps reduce the cost for families:

At $10,000 raised, the cost drops below $200 per student.

At $15,000 raised, the cost falls to about $100 per student.

At $20,500, the cost of camp is covered for every student.

Every contribution makes a difference, and is tax deductible (IslandWood is a registered 501c3). Sharing the link with friends or neighbors helps too.

The Fairmount Park community appreciates any support West Seattle neighbors can offer to help ensure every fifth grader gets to experience the magic of “fifth grade camp.”

Please use this link to donate and share: https://support.islandwood.org/campaign/fy26-sop-fundraising-fairmont/c744308

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GIVING: Nucor Steel and its workers outdo themselves with this year’s West Seattle Food Bank gifts
December 9, 2025 12:52 pm
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 |   High Point | How to help | West Seattle news

(WSB photos by Torin Record-Sand)

This year, Nucor Steel (WSB sponsor) and its workers literally outdid themselves with their annual holiday-season gifts for the West Seattle Food Bank, delivered this morning to WSFB HQ in High Point.

A truck from Certified Hydraulics served as Santa’s sleigh to transport the nearly three tons of donated food from Nucor’s mill next to the West Seattle Bridge:

From cans of Ensure to flats of Sriracha, cases of soup cans and mac-and-cheese boxes, WSFB says all this will help them provide a variety of food to the growing number of people in need of their services.

WSFB’s development director Robbin Peterson explains that this is Nucor’s biggest gift yet: “This year they looked up what every department had raised in the past and found the highest for each department and requested they beat that number” – and, she says, they did! 5,900 pounds of food, and $31,201 worth of cash, checks, and gift cards:

That includes a company match of $1 for every pound of food and dollar donated – here’s a closer look at the ceremonial check, with WSFB’s Robbin and executive director Fran Yeatts:

We asked them what the WSFB is most in need of right now, if you’re able to give. Obviously money remains big – they can buy more food with your dollar – but they also need baby essentials like diapers, wipes, and formula. Many places have WSFB bins this season; more donation information is on their website. Also note that the WSFB clothing bank Clothesline is the beneficiary from the Cocoa and Coat Drive coming up Sunday (December 14) at the south end of the WS Farmers Market (California/Alaska, 10 am-2 pm).

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‘Noche de Gala’ on December 19 to support Fauntleroy YMCA’s Active Older Adult programming
December 9, 2025 9:07 am
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 |   Fauntleroy | How to help | West Seattle news

One week from Friday, you’re invited to support the Active Older Adult community at the Fauntleroy YMCA at the “Noche de Gala” event. Here’s the announcement we were asked to share:

This is an event celebrating our Active Older Adult community for a night of dressing up, good eats, and remembering the year we had together:

Friday 12/19, 5:30-7:30 pm
Fauntleroy YMCA Chapel Hall
9140 California Ave SW

$25/person. Registration link is here.

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PHOTOS: Visiting Fauntleroy Church’s Festival of Trees
December 8, 2025 9:00 am
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 |   Fauntleroy | Holidays | How to help | West Seattle news

Many holiday happenings are scheduled for nights and weekends. Here’s one you can visit on a weekend morning, if you’re free at this time of day … the Fauntleroy Church Festival of Trees is open for drop-in visits, 9 am to noon Mondays through Thursdays, all month long, plus two weekend windows we’ll mention at the end of this story.16 trees are placed around the Fellowship Hall, and no two are alike.

The Peanut Butter Tree, by the church’s Caring Ministry, is in the spirit of the event, which is also a food drive – bring a can or jar or package and place it under your favorite to “vote”! Then there’s the tree that fuses two holidays:

“Boos and Sparkles” was created by the Fulford Family. Another tree offers a quiz of sorts:

Students of Low Tide Arts (in the same building as the church and Y) ask whether you recognize any of these famous artworks! On the other side of the room, the theme is Seattle sports:

“A Fellowship Group” created the sports tree. At another tree, you can learn “The Legend of the Christmas Spider“:

That was entered by the Tucker/Dwyer Family. Sixteen trees in all (thanks to Judy Pickens for this list) are set up, so we’ve barely shown you a third – go stop by the Fellowship Hall at the church (9140 California SW) and bring a food donation if you can. If you can’t get there on a weekday morning, you can also visit the trees during a 6 pm reception before the church’s 7 pm Christmas concert on Saturday, December 20, and during the reception after the 4 pm concert on Sunday, December 21.

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Pancakes! Marines! Santa! Firefighters! Special toy-donation events in West Seattle on Saturday
December 5, 2025 1:13 pm
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 |   Holidays | How to help | West Seattle news

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!

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YOU CAN HELP: West Seattle HS music program’s direct drive
December 5, 2025 9:04 am
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 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS culture/arts

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.

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GIVING: Open spots for upcoming Junction blood drive
December 4, 2025 8:41 am
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 |   Health | How to help | West Seattle news

(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.

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Six school/youth support opportunities on this Giving Tuesday
December 2, 2025 1:39 pm
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 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

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.

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GIVING TUESDAY: Community support for dad and newborn son whose mom died in childbirth
December 2, 2025 11:20 am
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

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.

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FOLLOWUP: How gingerbread can help fix vandalized windows
December 1, 2025 12:40 pm
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 |   Crime | How to help | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

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.)

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YOU CAN HELP: Volunteer so adult English-language learners can practice conversation
December 1, 2025 9:00 am
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 |   High Point | How to help | West Seattle news

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).

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YOU CAN HELP: Kiwanis Club of West Seattle’s online auction raising money to support local youth
November 28, 2025 4:50 pm
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 |   Holidays | How to help | Kiwanis Club of West Seattle | West Seattle news

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.)

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‘The demand on our services continues to grow’: White Center Food Bank hopes your support will grow too
November 26, 2025 10:40 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | White Center

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.

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Be Santa for 50+ families at ‘small but mighty’ Roxhill Elementary
November 25, 2025 9:36 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | How to help | West Seattle news

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.



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GIVING: Caudle Family’s 2025 drive-up/ride-up food and coat drive, in a season with greater need than ever
November 22, 2025 11:41 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

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!

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YOU CAN HELP: Local school loses grant for outdoor education
November 21, 2025 9:02 am
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   Highland Park | How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

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.

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GIVING: Local family’s annual drive-up/ride-up food and coat drive this Saturday
November 19, 2025 2:20 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

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!

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HOLIDAY GIVING: New name, traditional toy drive for local insurance agency
November 17, 2025 7:26 pm
|    Comments Off on HOLIDAY GIVING: New name, traditional toy drive for local insurance agency
 |   How to help | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

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.

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‘More than just a fundraiser’: Chief Sealth IHS Basketball launches ‘Play It Forward’
November 16, 2025 6:59 pm
|    Comments Off on ‘More than just a fundraiser’: Chief Sealth IHS Basketball launches ‘Play It Forward’
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

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 League

Because 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.

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GIVING: Two food drives in West Seattle this weekend
November 14, 2025 12:35 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

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.

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PREVIEW: ‘Treasures and Treats’ sale at The Mount on Friday and Saturday
November 13, 2025 8:21 pm
|    Comments Off on PREVIEW: ‘Treasures and Treats’ sale at The Mount on Friday and Saturday
 |   Holidays | How to help | West Seattle news

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 Lobby

The 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.

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