During the long years we have been affected by COVID-19, we have turned to our hearts. We are accustomed to shopping online, eating out and taking risks as little as possible. But the holidays are the best time to give back. Whether it’s time, talent, food or sponsoring a family’s Christmas wish, in these gray days, giving makes everyone feel brighter. Thanks to the United Way in Thurston County, care and sharing go hand in hand during this holiday.

Locally, United Way works to improve health, education and financial stability. Once a need is identified, their team will cooperate and invest in local non-profit organizations that are responding to these crises. They work with a network of community partners, from seasonal assistance in winter to organizing volunteers for COVID-19 vaccination sites. In the 2019/2020 fiscal year, they converted a donation of US$2 million into a total community impact of more than US$6.3 million.

But there is still a lot to do. "There was a lot of demand before the pandemic, because the last ALICE study showed that one-third of families in our community are struggling," said Lindsay Fujimoto, director of the volunteer program. "This demand has grown with the outbreak of the pandemic because it exacerbates the needs of disadvantaged families and creates new barriers for others."

ALICE represents limited assets, limited income, and employment. Our state profile explains that even before the pandemic, “33% of households in Washington are still struggling to make ends meet. Although 10% of these struggling families live below the Federal Poverty Line (FPL), another 23% It’s Alice.” Since the emergence of COVID-19, “low-income households have reported that during the pandemic, the loss rate of employment income was significantly higher at 60%, while the unemployment rate for middle-class and high-income households was 40%. ."

On the ground, United Way faced this new obstacle. "Our goal is to meet the growing demand amid the unique challenges of the pandemic," Fujimoto said. "For voluntary service, this means turning to outdoor opportunities at home and/or away from society. Many opportunities are also focused on responding to the pandemic, including sewing masks or volunteering in vaccine clinics."

Where you can help in any way, United Way is always looking for donors and donations to benefit the community. "Everyone can make a difference," Fujimoto emphasized. "Whether it is through donations or voluntary services, individuals can meet the needs of our community. For voluntary services, non-medical volunteers are currently in great need to help vaccine clinics in the Capital Mall and other parts of Thurston County."

These clinics are operated jointly with the Thurston County Department of Public Health and Social Services (TCPHSS). Volunteers help guide people through the process and ensure that the clinic runs smoothly and has a positive atmosphere.

You can also participate in the annual Shelter Shower. This year's drive-through event will be held from 12 noon to 3 pm on Thursday, December 16. United Way is soliciting donations for SafePlace and South Sound Family Support Centers through an online wish list.

Required items include gift cards for the purchase of groceries, supplies, and household items. These gift cards can be delivered to Target, Fred Meyer, Safeway, and Walmart, or to local restaurants and gas stations. They also need mobile phone charging cables, toiletries, blankets and bedding, suitcases and washing powder. However, furniture, old clothes, children's products and opened products are not accepted at this time.

Volunteers will collect items in a drive-through environment at 3525 7th Avenue SW in Olympia. Volunteers will wear masks and gloves, and drivers are encouraged to also wear masks. Can't it be done on that day or time? Consider donating online, the staff will do their best to help as many people as possible.

"We can do a lot of things together, and I hope people will continue to join and connect with Thurston County United Way to see how much difference we can make with Living United," Fujimoto said.

You can stay up to date by subscribing to their newsletter, visiting the website, or following United Way in Thurston County on Facebook and Instagram.

Living United means different things to everyone. But thanks to the United Way in Thurston County, this means converting every dollar of donation into a $3.13 influence at home. Whether you can provide time, talent, goods, services, or just a few dollars, the community will benefit in the coming years.