How to help 4046 results

YOU CAN HELP: Order from Dream Dinners West Seattle, help students

February 8, 2024 9:00 am
|    Comments Off on YOU CAN HELP: Order from Dream Dinners West Seattle, help students
 |   How to help | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Dream Dinners West Seattle (longtime WSB sponsor) is not only offering you the chance to enjoy home-cooked meals with much less effort, they’re also offering the chance to help local students. Order three dinners from Dream Dinners West Seattle, use a special code, and Madison Middle School‘s WEB program (explained here) benefits. From the announcement:

Help support Madison’s W.E.B. (where everyone belongs) program! We are teaming up with Dream Dinners West Seattle again this year and they’re donating a portion of their sales to Madison. By helping WEB and a local small business, your money has a DOUBLE positive impact in our community, and you’ll have some quick, easy meals ready. If you’re interested, please put MADWEB in the special instructions when you order and Madison will get a portion of the sales!

P.S. If you are not interested in Dream Dinners at this time, we are asking for donations of $10 (or more) to keep WEB going strong. If you can help, here is the donation link.

Here’s the fundraiser flyer. Place your order before February 24.

THINK SPRING: Become a SUN Guide

(File photo, courtesy Seattle Parks)

Spring is now just six weeks away. If you’re thinking of volunteering during this year’s warm season, here’s an opportunity – the annual call for Seattle Urban Nature Guides, which we were asked to share with you:

Become a Seattle Urban Nature Guide! Seattle Parks and Recreation Environmental Engagement Unit is offering free volunteer guide training. Inspire change through education, enrich the experience of park visitors, teach families and school students in nature, and share with your community. Applications are due March 15th; training begins April 12th.

Apply online at seattle.gov/parks/volunteer/environmental-education-volunteering#SUNG

If you have questions about the program, PKSNatureFieldTrips@seattle.gov is the address.

HELPING: Local advocate invites you to ‘extend your love’ by helping her organize West Seattle blood drive

If you can give blood on February 23, Aliye Menzies would love to have your help organizing a blood drive in West Seattle that day. She needs 35 people to commit to donating in order to book a Bloodworks Northwest mobile donation vehicle for a spot outside Just Another Barbershop, across from Seacrest, at 1617 Harbor Avenue SW, 10 am-4 pm. Aliye advocates giving via her nonprofit Tithing Foundation; we asked her to tell us more about it and why she is organizing a blood drive:

The importance of using people’s 10% is a core foundation on what I stand on for Tithing Foundation. I know it can be difficult to get people to give to their community due to the many other commitments within life. Tithing Foundation helps everyday people in the community use 10% of their time, resources, or finances (or blood) to impact the community. That’s also why I partnered with Just Another Barbershop; as a new business, they expressed the importance of being community pillars and making an impact in people’s lives.

      The reason why I chose BloodWorks NW was an easy pick. In the month of love, everyone is focusing on giving to the people they know and love. Well, what about all the lives that are at risk because they are unable to receive enough blood transfusions? Can’t we look at extending our love this month even to people we may not know? Blood is the life source, and if we choose to donate something that comes freely to us, we will save lives.

To help make this happen, you can respond via this online form. If you have a question first, contact Aliye at aliye@tithingfoundation.com.

YOU CAN HELP: West Seattle Co-Op Preschools’ new family event to raise scholarship money

West Seattle Cooperative Preschools are launching a new event this year to raise money for scholarships so more kids can attend preschool: A community “Family Disco Party.”

They’re hoping to host hundreds of kids (and their parents, grandparents, guardians, whoever wants to come along) from 10 am-11 am Sunday, February 11, for an hour of all-ages dancing with DJ Baby Van Beezly (and glow sticks!) at South Seattle College‘s Brockey Center. “Get the wiggles out before the Big Game!” is the invitation. Tickets are $10/person; all proceeds go to the Co-op Preschool Scholarship Fund and community parent-education programming. The campus café will also be open special hours before and after the dance party for breakfast/brunch treats and coffee/beverages. Tickets are on sale now – go here.

YOU CAN HELP: Seattle Tigers baseball team ‘Raffle for a Ring’ for Cooperstown journey

The local youth-baseball team Seattle Tigers have launched a unique fundraiser to pay for a dream trip to the home of baseball’s history. Here’s the announcement they asked us to share:

The 12U Seattle Tigers, a local West Seattle travel bseball team, are gearing up for the opportunity of a lifetime – a trip to Cooperstown, the home of legendary baseball memories. They’ll get to play Summer tournament baseball with other 12U teams from across the US, visit the Hall of Fame and participate in a 7-day sleep-away camp with teammates and coaches.

To help turn this dream into a reality, the Tigers have launched a unique Valentine’s fundraiser – a raffle for a dazzling 1-carat diamond ring.

The 12U Seattle Tigers includes a dedicated group of 11 young baseball players, and dedicated coaches who have played together for years on various West Seattle BB, West Seattle LL, All Stars and travel teams. Each player has shown growth of talent and sportsmanship throughout their years. Competing in Cooperstown is both an honor and a challenge, requiring financial support beyond their usual means. The Tigers team is thrilled to invite the local West Seattle community to join them on this exciting journey.

The fundraising efforts center around ‘Raffle for a Ring’ – happening now until Feb. 12th. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, this raffle is for a 1 carat round, brilliant cut diamond ring ($8,500 value) generously donated by Menashe & Sons Jewelers. Raffle tickets are priced at $50 each, providing community members with a chance to win this stunning prize while contributing to the Tigers’ Cooperstown fund.

=Members of the 12U Tigers Baseball Team will be in-person at the West Seattle Farmers Market Feb 4th + 11th, to interact and say hello to the public. Each player will have flyers in hand with information on how to purchase a $50 raffle ticket, and talk about Cooperstown!

Join us in supporting the 12U Seattle Tigers as they aim to hit a home run toward Cooperstown. Together, we can help these young baseball players achieve their dreams.

SURVEY: Free seeds to be offered so kids can learn to grow food. First – questions for you

January 28, 2024 12:28 pm
|    Comments Off on SURVEY: Free seeds to be offered so kids can learn to grow food. First – questions for you
 |   Gardening | How to help | West Seattle news

Again this year, the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle will offer free seeds to teachers and parents for working with kids to learn about growing food. Right now, though, they need your help deciding what kind of seeds – here’s the announcement and request frm Kiwanis president Denis Sapiro:

The Kiwanis Club of West Seattle gave out about 200 packs of seeds to people at the Sunday Farmers’ Market last year. Kiwanis will again offer vegetable seeds and flower seeds this year. Teachers and parents can help select the type of seeds and number of packages of seeds Kiwanis will order this year. This is not a commitment to use the seeds nor for Kiwanis to provide all that is requested.

Here’s the survey – please answer it by February 5.

Kiwanis offers the Seed Project to boost family fun and joy and to provide an educational experience with hands-on activity! As the plant grows, you can transplant it into your garden. In the survey, please add your contact info (particularly your email address), so that we can let you know when the seeds will be available at the Farmers Market in the spring.

YOU CAN HELP: 4 weeks until Special Olympics’ Polar Plunge fun(draiser) at Alki

(WSB photo from February 2020 Polar Plunge at Alki)

Four weeks from today, Alki Beach will be the site of a daylong celebration raising money for Special Olympics Washington, and you’re invited. Here’s the latest information:

The Special Olympics Washington Polar Plunge, a Seattle tradition, will take place on Saturday, February 24. The annual Winter Beach Party unites supporters from the area to ‘Get Cold for a Cause’. This year’s event promises something for everyone, whether plunging into the cold waters or joining in the festivities to cheer on participants.

Attendees can expect a full-on beach party with DJs, beach games, a beer garden, food trucks, costume contests, and more! Individual and team registrants are encouraged to raise donations in support of Special Olympics Washington athletes. As they raise funds, they can also earn prizes including airline vouchers and pizza party gift cards for the top individual and team fundraisers.

Proceeds from the Polar Plunge support Special Olympics Washington’s Beyond Gold Initiatives, enabling life-changing and inclusive programs for thousands of Washington athletes while ensuring their participation comes at no cost to them.

Get an inside look into the lives of Special Olympians by exploring the story of Brook Ayers, a local athlete from the Seattle area. Brook is one of over 11,900 participants in Special Olympics Washington, directly supported by funds raised through the Polar Plunge. Her journey embodies the spirit of the games and highlights the significant impact of these donations. Discover her inspiring story here.

Festivities kick off at 10 a.m. on Saturday, February 24 at Alki Beach & Bathhouse. The costume contest will begin at 12:10 p.m., with winners awarded based on crowd response. Polar Plunging starts at 1:00 p.m., with soup and hot chocolate stations to warm up afterward. For more information, and to register, visit PolarPlungeWA.com.

YOU CAN HELP: Food, clothing drive in North Delridge, + fundraising self-defense workshop

January 25, 2024 9:39 am
|    Comments Off on YOU CAN HELP: Food, clothing drive in North Delridge, + fundraising self-defense workshop
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

(Photo courtesy Combat Arts Academy)

All ages are assisting with a food and clothihg drive happening right now at Combat Arts Academy (5050 Delridge Way SW), and you can too! They’re also planning a fundraising self-defense workshop for women on Sunday. First, the donation drive, which continues through the end of the month:

Winter’s chill has been upon us, and not everyone has a warm meal waiting. We’re collecting food and clothes for the West Seattle Food Bank through the end of the month. Let’s make a difference together!

Drop off items at Combat Arts Academy at 5050 Delridge Way SW

– M-Th 10a-9p, F 3p-9p, Su 10a-2p
– shoot us a message and we can coordinate.

Items:

– Non-Perishable foods (think ready-to eat): chili, soups, shelf stable milk, etc

– Healthy Snacks for kids (backpack program for school lunch): huge; fruit leather, granola bars, microwaveable pasta meals and soup cups, oatmeal/cereal packs

– Clothesline: winter coats, hats, gloves, hand warmers, towels, tents, sleeping bags, new underwear and socks, backpacks and duffle bags, suitcases with wheels, sheets and blankets

– Baby Corner: diapers, formula, wipes

The women’s self-defense workshop is at 3 pm Sunday (January 28) at CAA, suggested donation $30, for girls and women 13+ – details and registration link are in our calendar listing.

Make it a triple! Three ways – including the Dick’s Drive-In truck – to help Highland Park Elementary this Saturday

That’s a photo from the Dick’s Drive-In truck visit to Highland Park Corner Store last May. It’s returning this Saturday (January 27), this time as one of three ways to help nearby Highland Park Elementary School students, via the PTA.

First – show up for a community cleanup at 10 am Saturday – meet on the west side of the school (1012 SW Trenton) by the dumpsters.

Second – At 11 am, head to the HP Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW), where the Dick’s truck will be selling burgers and shakes until 2 pm as part of a fundraiser for the PTA.

Third – While you’re at HPCS, grab a Mighty Mustang soda, and/or a pint of local beer, and bid on raffle items, also at HPCS, as the PTA works to raise money for new stools and acrylic paint for the school’s Art Room. grab a Mighty Mustang Soda or a pint of local beer, and bid on raffle items – the proceeds of which will go to support the Highland Park Elementary PTA. The PTA thanks Dick’s, The Bridge, and HPCS for supporting the school, and hopes you’ll be there to help.

Final week to apply to be on a board that almost never meets

If you worry that joining an advisory board would take too much time – the Southwest Design Review Board, right now, would prove that wrong. While it technically could meet twice a month, considering up to two projects per meeting, it’s been many years since there were enough qualifying development projects to fill that schedule. Last year, in fact, the SWDRB only met three times. Nonetheless, the city needs to have board members, and reader Rob McCulloch – a current SWDRB member – suggested we let you know that applications are open right now. The deadline is January 28 (next Sunday). Here are the basics:

Applicants should have knowledge of, or interest in, architecture, urban design, and the development process. They should have the ability to evaluate projects based on the City’s design guidelines, the ability to listen and communicate effectively, have a passion for urban design and community development, and the ability to work well with others under pressure. Prior experience with community or neighborhood groups is a plus. Board members must live in the city.

Currently the meetings are held online (the board met in-person pre-pandemic). More on the program, and how to apply (openings include boards for other parts of the city too), can be found here. (The rest of the city’s schedule is pretty empty right now too – see it here.)

VIDEO: Permits close; people wanted! Highland Park Improvement Club ‘town hall’ update on rebuilding progress, and what you can do

January 21, 2024 10:43 pm
|    Comments Off on VIDEO: Permits close; people wanted! Highland Park Improvement Club ‘town hall’ update on rebuilding progress, and what you can do
 |   Highland Park | How to help | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

The Highland Park Improvement Club rebuilding project needs more donated dollars. But as much as – or maybe even more than – that, iHPIC needs your talent and time.

That was the message at this week’s online “town hall” updating where the project stands, two and a half years after fire ravaged HPIC’s historic community-owned-and-operated building at 12th/Holden.

The meeting, facilitated by HPIC’s board president Rhonda Smith and member Kay Kirkpatrick, lasted less than an hour, and you can see it in its entirety in the HPIC-provided video above. It was the first “town hall” update on the project in more than a year (here’s our coverage of the previous one, in November 2022), and the sixth since the fire.

The project has been far from idle in the ensuing 14 months – it’s been slogging through the city review process, as explained by architect (and Highland Park resident) Matt Estes of Wittman Estes. Key permits are likely just weeks away. But that’s just one hurdle to clear – to make the project reality, it’ll take more community involvement and more fundraising. The latter has made a lot of progress: Read More

CAN YOU HELP? Madison Middle School students seeking gift-card donations for read-a-thon

You donate, they read! The Madison Middle School ASB (student association) has a request:

Help us get people reading!

Madison Middle School’s annual fundraiser is approaching! This fundraiser allows us to fund clubs, sports, and extracurriculars. This year, we’ll be holding a read-a-thon, from March 11th to March 25th. We are looking for incentives for students to motivate them to participate. The Madison Middle School ASB will be accepting gift cards/certificates to local West Seattle businesses, no more than $25 each.

If you have any questions, or would like to make a donation, please email madisonmsasb@gmail.com

YOU CAN HELP: New sport, seeking support

January 18, 2024 9:53 am
|    Comments Off on YOU CAN HELP: New sport, seeking support
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

Last April, in this report on a community-conversation event hosted by then-School Board member Leslie Harris, we mentioned two students who were there to ask her support for creation of a West Seattle High School water-polo team. It’s finally happening, according to reader Jennifer, who sent this update because now they need community help:

The league and district have approved a club team (no district funds) so that the girls can play. The season starts in late February! However, the team has no funds to cover pool time, equipment, or coaching. Please consider supporting them through the West Seattle Booster Club at wsbooster.com/#donate (be sure to put “Water Polo” in the notes!)

YOU CAN HELP: Two dine-out benefits this week for local schools

January 15, 2024 2:45 pm
|    Comments Off on YOU CAN HELP: Two dine-out benefits this week for local schools
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants | West Seattle schools

Want someone else to do the cooking? Here are two ways to do that this week while helping local schools:

ROXHILL ELEMENTARY @ THE WESTY: Friends of Roxhill Elementary will benefit from a share of the proceeds, dine-in or take-out, at The Westy (7908 35th SW) today, Tuesday, and Wednesday (January 15-17), 11 am-11:45 pm. If you dine in (21+), tell your server you’re there for the Roxhill fundraiser; if you order take-out online, use the promo code ROXHILL.

WEST SEATTLE ELEMENTARY @ MOD: This Wednesday, the Westwood Village MOD Pizza (2800 SW Barton) will donate part of its proceeds for dine-in and take-out customers who mention they’re supporting West Seattle Elementary – if ordering online, use the code MODGIVES20. Here’s the flyer. The restaurant is open 10:30 am-10 pm

GRATITUDE: Successful donation drive to help people stay warm

Dave Newman State Farm Insurance Agency (WSB sponsor) is expressing gratitude for all the generous people who donated to this year’s coats/warm clothing donation drive during the holiday season: “Thank you, West Seattle! Our 10th year was the most successful yet.” In the photo is local resident Rodger Tanner with the final load of donations – which totaled four car/truckloads this year!

(If you have coats/warm clothing in good shape that you didn’t get a chance to donate during the holidays, the West Seattle Food Bank‘s Clothesline accepts donations, and the Westside Neighbors Shelter often needs them too – here’s their most-recent request.)

GRAND OPENING: White Center Food Bank celebrates new home

(WSB/WCN photos)

We’ve shown you the mural-enhanced exterior of the White Center Food Bank‘s new home – tonight we got a chance to look inside. On this icy-cold night, the WCFB threw a housewarming party of sorts, less than a week after officially starting operations in the new building.

It has a lot more room for storage and service than the WCFB’s old space at 8th/108th, from which they had to move because of its impending redevelopment as affordable-housing and community-space project “The HUB.” The new location at 10016 16th SW was revealed in fall 2022.

Six months after that, remodeling construction began, and now their shiny new facility is in use, with room to grow.

It’s full of reminders that the work is about people – not just the 95,000+ they serve each year, but also the many who volunteer – they have an upgraded space in the new HQ too:

The front rooms are full of welcoming messages:

The community members in attendance tonight included dignitaries – below with WCFB executive director Carmen Smith are new District 8 King County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda, 34th District State Senator Joe Nguyễn, and Mosqueda’s predecessor, Joe McDermott:

The grand opening isn’t quite the finish line for the move.

WCFB is three-fourths of the way to its fundraising goal for the new location. and expanded vision, explained here. It’s a regional resource, as the food bank serves south West Seattle as well as White Center and vicinity.

WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: Here’s what our area’s only shelter needs now

(WSB photo, last month)

Weather like this is dangerous for many, and potentially deadly for people who live outdoors. As you probably know, West Seattle has only one emergency shelter, powered by volunteers and donations, and it could use some help – here’s an update from Westside Neighbors Shelter manager Keith Hughes:

My heartfelt thanks to the West Seattle Community for your overwhelming response to getting the shelter kitchen stocked up for the winter. Thanks to all of you we are now fully stocked with paper goods, coffee, creamer, peanut butter, and pancake syrup.

Now that the bitter cold has arrived, we are going to be open 24 hours a day at least through January 18th to meet the needs of our unhoused neighbors.

What we need now are stocking caps, gloves, warm clothing like sweatshirts, sweaters (washable) coats, and long underwear.

A friend of the shelter, Mike, adds this:

Note that shoes, socks, and blankets are not needed at this time.

Dropoffs can be made in person between 7 am – 5 pm:
Map can be found on the website.
3618 SW Alaska St.

YOU CAN HELP: Fund to help students afford the basics

Some of the funds featured in the Giving Opportunities section of our Holiday Guide this past season are still open to donations, such as this one for Chief Sealth International High School, trying to ensure help for their most-vulnerable students. School staff asked us to publish this request:

Please consider donating to the CSIHS InvestEDF fundraising campaign. These funds are used to help our students that are struggling to fund the basic needs for a successful high school experience. Our current funds will not meet the many needs of our students this year so we are asking the community for help. The CSIHS InvestED fund helps provide students with necessities such as school supplies, clothing, emergency gear, and bedding.

Beyond the basics, these funds can help with test and activity fees too, so that students in need have the same opportunities as their schoolmates. Just use the drop-down on this page to designate that your donation is for Chief Sealth International High School. “Any donation is greatly appreciated!” they add.

YOU CAN HELP: West Seattle Brownie troop collecting pet food to earn badge

The Brownies of Troop 40622 are hoping you can help them keep local pets fed. Their leader Krista sent the request:

Our Brownie troop of 12 third graders is working on the Philanthropist Badge.

As philanthropists, the troop has made a goal of collecting 500 pounds of pet food for the Pet Pantry at the West Seattle Food Bank. Animal lovers through and through! So far the Brownies have collected 186 pounds of food. They have collection bins located at Bebop Waffle Shop [California/Admiral], Sea Pines Physical Therapy [4617 37th SW], and Next to Nature [4543 California SW]. The bins will be active through the end of January. The troop also has an Amazon Gift List (Troop 40622) that sends items directly to the Pet Pantry! Thank you for supporting our troop’s efforts to make the world a better place.

MLK DAY OF SERVICE: You’re invited to help ‘revitalize’ Denny International Middle School campus

The weather is expected to be a lot calmer by next Monday, which is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day and a Day of Service for many. One big local volunteering opportunity will be at Denny International Middle School (2601 SW Kenyon), and you can sign up now to be part of this 9 am-1 pm event:

City Year Seattle/King County honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by serving in community at one of our partner schools. This year on Monday, January 15, 2024, our day of service will bring together alumni, donors, community members, and corporate partners as we revitalize Denny International Middle School. Volunteers will have the opportunity to paint murals, improve campus landscaping, clean, and organize the school for students, faculty, and staff. We believe MLK Day is a ‘day on,’ so come join us as we support the students of Denny International Middle School through service.

(If you’re also organizing a Day of Service event that’s open to more volunteers on Monday, please let us know – thanks!)

YOU CAN HELP: West Seattle Bee Garden work party Sunday

January 6, 2024 8:01 pm
|    Comments Off on YOU CAN HELP: West Seattle Bee Garden work party Sunday
 |   Gardening | High Point | How to help | West Seattle news

The weather looks promising tomorrow for the next “work party” at the West Seattle Bee Garden on the north edge of High Point Commons Park. If you can spare a little time, 10 am-noon Sunday, you can make a big difference in getting the garden ready for the new year. Lisa from the Bee Garden says the work party “will be led by our wonderful volunteer Katherine M. I invite you to join her in continuing the work to reclaim the beds and pathways from weeds, making room for new plantings in the coming months. As usual, dress for the weather (chilly) and bring a bottle of water. We have many pairs of work gloves, weeding tools, some light snacks, and our gardening crews provide great company.” No pre-registration required – just show up (here’s a map).

YOU CAN HELP: ‘Immediate needs’ at West Seattle’s only shelter

(WSB photo, last month)

The Westside Neighbors Shelter – West Seattle’s only shelter, powered by donations and volunteers – has “immediate needs,” its operator Keith Hughes tells WSB. If you can help, here’s what they’re asking for:

With the high volume of people being served, we suddenly find ourselves short on paper goods – Dixie Ultra 10″ plates, 6″ plates, 20 ounce bowls – plus powdered coffee creamer, pancake syrup, creamy peanut butter, sugar (5 or 10 lb bags), Splenda (the pink stuff), and store gift cards to buy eggs, milk, and butter.

Deliveries can be made every morning from 8 am – 10 am, and every evening 5 pm to 9 pm.

Thank you West Seattle community for your continued support of this vital service.

The shelter is in the Veteran Center/American Legion building at 3618 SW Alaska.

Colder weather’s on the way. Help somebody stay warm!

If you have a new or little-used coat, or other warm clothing, that you can donate, the holiday drive at Dave Newman State Farm Insurance Agency (WSB sponsor) has been extended a few more days – here’s the update we received:

This has been a stellar year for donations, and we want to thank all of you for helping our community in need.

We are wrapping up this year’s collection this Friday. This is your last chance to bring us your gently used warm weather clothes to 3435 California Ave SW.

For further information, contact the State Farm office at 206-932-1878.