As the holiday season kicks off, many Clark County residents are looking for ways to give back to the community.
Whether you’re looking to volunteer your time or donate toys and essentials to those in need, this season offers countless opportunities to spread some holiday cheer.
CDM Caregiving Services, an in-home care agency, is accepting new and gently used items for its annual holiday store. CDM’s McKibbin Adult Day Center clients shop for gifts for loved ones at no charge, with free gift-wrapping by volunteers. The store is open Dec. 9-20. Items must be delivered to CDM Caregiving Services at 2300 N.E. Andresen Road, Vancouver, no later than Dec. 13. The store is already stocked with plenty of scarves and socks. CDM especially needs gift items for men. Call 360-896-9695 for more information.
Clark County Veterans Assistance Center is looking for long-term volunteers to join the center during and after the holiday season. Volunteers undergo training to learn how to best serve the veterans who access the center. The center also seeks gifts for children and teenagers, such as Lego sets, clothing and games. Contact 360-693-7030 or ccvac@ccvac.net.
Council for the Homeless works to prevent and end homelessness in Clark County. The nonprofit needs hand warmers, hygiene products, rain ponchos, tarps, socks, gloves and snacks. A full list of needed items can be found at councilforthehomeless.org/donating-supplies. Drop off new and unopened items from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Housing Solutions Center, 2306 N.E. Andresen Road, Suite A, Vancouver.
FISH of Vancouver provides emergency food to people through its pantry. Email volunteer@fishvancouver.org or call or text 360-566-3243.
Outsiders Inn operates a men’s shelter, two of Vancouver’s Safe Stay shelters and coordinates volunteers for winter overflow shelters. Volunteers are needed for winter overflow shelters all days of the week. To volunteer, email waystohelp@outsidersinn.com or visit www.outsidersinn.org.
Sarah J. Anderson Elementary School is hosting a toy drive for families who may need a little extra help this holiday season. Drop off toys 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays before Dec. 13 at the school, 2215 N.E. 104th St., Vancouver. Donations can also be dropped off 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to noon Sunday at Vancouver United Church of Christ, 1220 N.E. 68th St., Vancouver.
Share, a nonprofit that operates several homeless shelters in Clark County needs volunteers to assist with its hot meals program. Share’s backpack program, which provides food for school children to take home over the weekend, needs nonperishable foods, especially canned soup and chili. Share also could use cold-weather gear, hand warmers, waterproof gloves, sleeping bags, blankets and men’s jeans. For more information, visit sharevancouver.org online.
Thrive2Survive provides hot meals and resources to people experiencing homelessness. To volunteer, visit thrive2survivewa.org.
YWCA Clark County provides resources and shelter to people experiencing domestic violence. It seeks donations of Chromebooks for schoolchildren, Uber gift cards of $50 or more, diapers, deodorant and other essentials (see www.ywcaclarkcounty.org/wishlist). The nonprofit also seeks new, unwrapped holiday gifts, which can be dropped at 3609 Main St., Vancouver, by Dec. 16. The lobby is open 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays. For information about volunteering, visit www.ywcaclarkcounty.org.
