As the weather gets colder and people pull their winter coats and sweaters out from the backs of their closets, many of our clients are without essential warm items.
At Lifelong, we want our clients to reach their best possible health, but this is hard when clients have to choose between getting warm and accessing other healthcare essentials.
Through our second annual Warm Winter Item Drive, we are hoping our clients won’t have to choose.
Last year, we collected and distributed 225 blankets, 302 jackets, 234 hoodies, 252 beanies, 242 gloves, and 245 pairs of socks, thanks to community partners like J. Crew, Zumiez, EVO, Skills Alliance, and Sky View Observatories.
Volunteers also stepped up to donate items throughout the fall and winter, but the one story that still sticks out to Community Engagement Coordinator, Tara Jacobsen, is the individual who saw our request for items on social media and was compelled to immediately go out of his way to keep the community warm.
“I went downstairs one day to help an individual who, after seeing the post, instantly went to the store and bought blankets, socks, and coats, then he also told everyone he knew to donate items. It was just so incredible that he was compelled to support in such an impromptu way. That was the kindest and most memorable thing that happened last year.”
Whether you have the capacity to donate one item or bags full of items, all donations will make an impact in our clients’ overall health.
“Not only does this warmth help an individual’s physical health – it helps with their emotional health and total wellbeing,” said Tara.
This year’s Warm Winter Item Needs:
Gloves (adult-sized)
Winter hats (adult sized, particularly ones that cover ears)
Blankets
Hand warmers (new only)
Socks (new only)
You can donate these items to either of these Lifelong locations:
Lifelong Admin Office: 210 S. Lucile Street, Seattle, WA
Lifelong Thrift Store: 312 Broadway E, Seattle, WA 98102