Combatting everything from homelessness to animal mistreatment, these organizations are dedicated to making our community a vibrant place for all! We know that especially during the holiday season, people want to give back to their communities. (And it’s a great idea to keep these spots top-of-mind the rest of the year, too!)
Here’s a look at 7 nonprofits and food banks to donate to in Bellingham this holiday season (+ some donation tips):
The Lighthouse Mission
- Located at 910 W. Holly St. Bellingham, WA 98225
Aiming to break the cycle of homelessness in the Bellingham community, the Lighthouse Mission provides meals, shelter, and case management services for those in need. With generous donations from businesses, churches, and individuals in the community, this ministry is able to provide guests with emergency assistance and life-changing support.
How to Donate: 100% the Lighthouse Mission’s funding comes from charitable donations, so if you’d like to help, click here to make a monetary donation. You can also see a list of physical items needed now here.
Blue Skies for Children
- Located at 2505 Cedarwood Ave. Ste. 5 Bellingham, WA 98225
Established in 1997, Blue Skies for Children works tirelessly to raise hope and self-esteem for local children raised in homeless, low-income, or foster families. Through their programs and services, children receive opportunities to take extra-curricular lessons that their parents/guardians may not be able to afford, go on class trips, and receive school supplies, providing stability at an otherwise unstable time.
How to Donate: Click here to make a monetary donation. Blue Skies also accepts item donations, like coats, hats, gloves, scarves, and blankets for their Winter Warm Up Program.
Lydia Place
- Located at 1701 Gladstone St. Bellingham, WA 98229
Started by a task force of Church Women United who saw a need for safe housing for homeless women in the community, Lydia Place provides programming to families in need to assist them in gaining affordable housing, education, and support for sustained independence. Through Lydia Place, women, children, and families gain opportunities for bettering their own outcomes and building a more positive future.
How to Donate: Lydia Place’s Holiday Adopt-a-Family Program is going on now. Check back everyday for a chance to adopt a family in need and purchase gifts for their children for the holiday season.
Whatcom County 2017 Toys for Tots
- Click here for a list of toy drop-off sites around the Bellingham area
A national program held every Christmas season, Whatcom County’s 2017 Toys for Tots is officially underway. Members of the community can drop a toy in one of the designated boxes around town and every Friday and Saturday before Christmas, families in need can come to the distribution site and pick gifts for their children. No child has to feel left out this holiday season, thanks to Toys for Tots.
How to Donate: You can either drop off a toy at one of the designated sites around the Bellingham area, or click here to make a monetary donation.
Bellingham Food Bank
- Located at 1824 Ellis St. Bellingham, WA 98225
- Food Donation Drop-Off Hours: 8:30am-4:00pm Monday-Friday
With so much fresh food in Whatcom County, it can be hard to believe that there are families out there who struggle to find daily meals. Luckily, the Bellingham Food Bank is there to help. Those living in Bellingham who are in need can visit once a week and receive fresh, nutritious, and delicious food. The team at the Bellingham Food Bank is dedicated to serving the community and ensuring that not a day goes by where a family is left hungry.
How to Donate: Click here to learn about all of the ways you can join in the fight against hunger with the Bellingham Food Bank today.
Whatcom Humane Society
- Located at 2172 Division St. Bellingham, WA 98226
Caring for animals since 1902, the Whatcom Humane Society believes that all pets are entitled to the same protections and consideration that we give our human companions. They rescue animals in need, provide adoption, micro-chipping, and euthanasia services, and offer support for those who have lost a pet, found a pet, or just want to learn more about what they do to help animals in and around the Bellingham area.
How to Donate: Click here to learn more about ways you can donate to the Whatcom Humane Society today.
Bellingham Salvation Army
- Located at 2912 Northwest Ave. Bellingham, WA 98225
Another national program with a branch in Bellingham, the Salvation Army is there to address both the large and small issues that affect our community. From shelter and hunger relief to help with addiction and disaster services, wherever there is a need in Bellingham, the Salvation Army is there.
How to Donate: Click here to make a monetary donation to the Salvation Army today and/or keep a lookout for the red kettle bell ringers outside of your local stores this holiday season to make a small donation in-person.
