These are the people who keep on giving. The following are 10 of the many groups and organizations that help the less fortunate in our community. Give a gift that helps them do that and these programs continue.
HOPE HOUSE
Hope House, a Volunteers of America program, houses single women and helps them seek permanent housing. Some great gifts to give include hygiene products, snacks (like granola bars), underwear, socks, blankets, twin sheets and pajamas. There's always a need for coats. Right now, there aren't any: "We have none to hand out currently to people who come to the back door and are still sleeping outside," says Mindy Pinkerman, a Hope House case manager. "Those are always a need." Hope House • 111 W. Third • voaspokane.org/hope-house • 455-2886
SPOKANE HUMANE SOCIETY
This organization provides shelter for animals looking for a home. These humans need everything from dry pet food to blankets and office supplies, among other items. Check out their wish list at spokanehumanesociety.org/donate/wishlist for a slew of other items. Spokane Humane Society • 6607 N. Havana • spokanehumanesociety.org • 467-5235
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
This is a part of the global organization building homes. A "Nuts and Bolts" donation, giving on behalf of someone, can help supply the vital pieces that go into building a home — everything from nails to kitchen cabinets. You can also pick up a hammer, and say that you had a hand in building someone's home. Habitat for Humanity of North Idaho • 176 W. Wyoming Ave., Hayden, Idaho • northidahohabitat.org • 208-762-4663 • Habitat for Humanity-Spokane • 732 N. Napa St., Spokane • habitat-spokane.org • 534-2552
AMERICAN INDIAN COMMUNITY CENTER
The Center provides a variety of social and economic services to American Indians and all other racial groups. They provide Indian child welfare, job hunting and résumé help, and supply food and clothes. They always accept clothing and food, especially canned food like tuna or peanut butter. American Indian Community Center • 610 E. North Foothills Dr. • aiccinc.org • 535-0886
CROSSWALK
This teen shelter, another Volunteers of America program, is dedicated to providing education and a safe place for teens. Crosswalk needs a lot of donations similar to those at Hope House. They also ask for school supplies, including notebook paper, pens and pencils. Crosswalk • 525 W. Second • voaspokane.org/crosswalk • 838-6596
OXFORD HOUSE
These homes provide a place for recovering alcoholics and drug addicts. There are 26 in Spokane: 20 for men and six for women. The residents are self-sufficient and maintain the houses, including payments, while working their way back into society. These houses typically always need toilet paper, twin bedding, pillows and other household furnishings. Oxford House • PO Box 30627 • wa.oxfordhouse.us • 216-0331
AMERICAN CHILDHOOD CANCER ORGANIZATION INLAND NORTHWEST
This organization's wish list has many gift options: items for the children and their families, ranging from notepads, coffee and extra-strength Excedrin to hotel and restaurant vouchers. They also need items to stock emergency overnight bags, including toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, and lotion (no more soap needed). American Childhood Cancer Organization Inland Northwest • 3021 S. Regal, Suite 104 • acco.org/inlandnw • 443-4162
GIRL SCOUTS OF EASTERN WASHINGTON AND NORTHERN IDAHO
These girls do more than just arts and crafts (though those supplies are always welcome). They could use interactive Wii games, archery and windsurfing equipment, flippers, electric lanterns, tents, basketballs, a good pump and a 3-D printer. "We're going to be doing some computer programming with the girls," says program director Sarah Wallace. These holiday gifts would go to the Spokane center and camp on Lake Coeur d'Alene. Girl Scouts of Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho • 1404 N. Ash • gsewni.org • 747-8091
HOUSE OF CHARITY
The temperatures have dropped and there already has been snow on the ground. Basic clothing, gloves, hats and blankets are especially needed this time of year. There also is a need for toiletries like soap and shampoo, and feminine products. This Catholic Charities program works to provide shelter and help meet basic needs for Spokane's homeless community. House of Charity • 32 W. Pacific • catholiccharitiesspokane.org/house-of-charity • 624-7821
WOMEN & CHILDREN'S FREE RESTAURANT AND COMMUNITY KITCHEN
Head to the market and grab a cart; this kitchen needs sugar, canned goods, produce, meats, seasonings, condiments, cake mix, mayonnaise, gallon Ziploc baggies and dishwashing gloves. Check out their website's wish list for more donation items. Women & Children's Free Restaurant and Community Kitchen • 1408 N. Washington • wcfrspokane.org • 324-1995 ♦
