Hearty Community Helpings

As the season of giving returns, South Lake Union remains a vibrant hub for philanthropy and community support. Whether you’re a first-time donor or volunteer, or a seasoned giver, there’s a multitude of opportunities to lend a helping hand or share your resources with those in need in the neighborhood.

From essential clothing donations to engaging volunteer activities that support local initiatives, SLU offers diverse avenues for everyone’s charitable endeavors.

Here are five meaningful ways to contribute and make a difference in the South Lake Union community this holiday season:

Community Meal Assistance — FareStart

FareStart is continuing to raise funds (donate here) to relaunch its social enterprise businesses (e.g. the FareStart Restaurant and cafes we all know and love) and grow job training programs in the post-pandemic environment. In addition to cash donations, FareStart always needs community volunteers to help with meals. Since 1992, FareStart has prepared more than 16.6 million meals for schools, healthcare centers, shelter, Head Start programs, and daycare centers, and you can help add to that number.

Opportunities like holiday cookie baking and community meal kitchen support are readily available.

No Child Sleeps Outside — Mary’s Place

Mary’s Place is working to ensure every child and family in our community has a safe, warm place to sleep at night. Unfortunately, hundreds of families with children are outside this holiday season, sleeping in the cold and rainy Seattle weather. You can help during the Mary’s Place annual No Child Sleeps Outside Campaign, which runs through December 31. A gift of $63 brings someone inside for a night and you can increase your impact by leading a fundraising team and encouraging friends and family to donate. Donation drives are also a fun and interactive way for families, friend groups, and businesses to connect and support families at Mary’s Place — consider hosting a drive for campaign donations or high need shelter items at your holiday party or at your business.

Learn more, donate, or kick off your fundraising team at nochildsleepsoutside.org. Don’t forget to share your wonderful work and encourage others to participate by using #NoChildSleepsOutside on social media posts.

Hats For Salmon — Willmott’s Ghost

The popular SLU spot is selling hats ($10 apiece) to support Long Live the Kings, a Seattle nonprofit dedicated to restoring wild salmon and steelhead and supporting sustainable fishing in the Pacific Northwest. Ask your server for details.

Giving Campaign — Immanuel Community Services

Immanuel Community Services’ mission is to alleviate the effects of poverty, hunger, homelessness, and addiction by providing community-based social services to those in need. The organization helps provide food for those who are hungry, hygiene for those who are homeless, and recovery for those who are addicted. With a limited staff, Immanuel Community Services helps more than 20,000 people per year and could use your assistance in their end-of-year campaign. Click here to donate funds.

Putt-Putt Philanthropy — Flatstick Pub

Every Sunday, Flatstick Pub donates a portion of all games of mini golf and Duffleboard sold to a different charity at each location, each month. The local fave and its sister locations have given thousands of dollars back to area nonprofits. When planning your next family or friend outing, try and find your way to Flatstick Pub so you can have fun and help make a difference this holiday season.

Watch the discoverslu.com calendar for more holiday events and giving opportunities.