Stan Heimburger reports that on Dec. 21 members of Bellingham Central Lions Club, in partnership with Deals Only Web Store.com, delivered more than $10,000 in retail value of new toys and games for children age 2 to 12 to four Bellingham nonprofit organizations.
Toys went to children from Bridget Collins, Lighthouse Mission Ministries' Agape Home, Lydia Place and Whatcom County Boys and Girls Club.
Patrick Zemel, operations manager of Deals Only Web Store.com, an internet-based merchandise reseller based in Bellingham, has supported other Lions' projects, including the Frank Haskell Lions Eye Clinic and the Annual Charity Golf Tournament and Raffle.
USED APPLIANCES AID NONPROFITS
DeWaard & Bode is now recycling used appliances with 100 percent of the proceeds being donated to nonprofit organizations in Whatcom County.
"We anticipate this program will raise $2,000 to $3,000 per month for local nonprofits, which do so much to help those in need in our community," said Jerry Roorda of Lynden, owner of DeWaard & Bode. "It also will keep appliances out of landfills and give customers who need an appliance another option."
DeWaard & Bode, founded in 1946, sells appliances, mattresses, furniture and flat-screen televisions.
You can take used appliances to either of DeWaard & Bode's Bellingham stores from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Accepted appliances include washers, dryers, stoves, ranges, freezers and refrigerators. The main showroom is at 3944 Meridian St. and the outlet store is at 4175 Hannegan Road.
DeWaard & Bode's technicians will repair the appliances, which then will be sold at the Hannegan Road store, according to a press release. Appliances that can't be repaired will be sold for scrap and those proceeds also will be donated to nonprofits.
A different nonprofit will be designated as the beneficiary each month. January's nonprofit will be Bellingham Food Bank. Others in 2013 include the Salvation Army and Lighthouse Mission Ministries. You can suggest other agencies to benefit by emailing info@dewaardandbode.com.
MENTORS SOUGHT FOR RECOGNITION
Big Brothers Big Sisters is looking for former "Bigs," "Littles" and other volunteers in recognition of National Mentoring Month.
"Big Brothers Big Sisters of NW Washington is delighted to be a part of the national effort that will help reunite alumni in our area with our local agency mission," said Colleen Haggerty, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of NW Washington in Bellingham. "After all, alumni of Big Brothers Big Sisters know first-hand the benefits of mentoring. ... Their voice will help spread the word to our community about how vital mentoring is in the life of a child facing adversity. They have the experience - mentoring works!"
Alumni can register via BigBrothersBigSisters.org.
For more information about how Big Brothers Big Sisters of NW Washington helps kids in Whatcom County facing adversity, go online to bbs-nw.org or email Lorim@bbbs-nw.org.
THANKS FROM LYDIA PLACE
Emily O'Connor, executive director of Lydia Place, sends her thanks to the community for its support. She wrote:
"This holiday season, the staff, board of directors, and I have been astounded by the generosity of so many in our community. Countless families, individuals, and businesses stepped up to adopt over 40 families in the Lydia Place programs who needed help making the holidays special for their children.
"Lydia Place assists over 125 families in finding sustained independence from homelessness every year and we could not do that without the ongoing support of our community.
"For much of this month, we have been literally buried in donated toys and we are so grateful to everyone who contributed to that effort.
"We would like say a special thank you to KAFE for participating again this year by giving the children living with their mothers in our Transition Housing Program an opportunity to read their wish lists on the air. Your generosity is helping brighten these cold days for many families in need and is putting smiles on the faces of countless children. You have our sincerest thanks."
SEA MAR HOSTS ANNUAL PARTY
Sea Mar Community Health Center's Whatcom County Christmas party was held Dec. 21 at Birchwood Presbyterian Church for 457 children from 183 families.
The party included a holiday dinner for families, three gifts for each child through age 12, children's crafts, entertainment, photos with Santa, a raffle and a dessert bar.
"We are thankful to our local businesses who donated food and other items, and the many staff and volunteers in our clinics who have given generously of their time," said Christmas party coordinator Sonia Garza, clinic manager of Sea Mar's Bellingham Medical Clinic. "Without them, this event would not be possible."
For almost 25 years Sea Mar has hosted Christmas parties in several Western Washington counties where the organization's medical, dental, behavioral health, social and educational services are offered, according to a press release.
More than 3,300 children were served at Christmas parties throughout seven counties served by Sea Mar in Western Washington, including Whatcom. More than 10,000 toys were distributed, mostly from funds raised through the organization's annual golf tournament and other fundraisers.
Children invited to the annual event are from families served by Sea Mar who meet federal low-income eligibility guidelines.
TURKEY DONATIONS FEED FAMILIES
Two hundred local families received turkeys for a holiday dinner as the result of a drive led by Snapper Shuler Kenner Insurance, according to a press release.
The firm, with offices in Lynden and Bellingham, offered to match donations of up to 100 turkeys. The drive met that goal and 200 turkeys were distributed to families in need by Bellingham Food Bank and Lynden-based Project Hope.
"Since one of every six families in Whatcom County regularly visits a food bank, we know many people could use some help," said Bob Hagedorn of SSK Insurance. "We're pleased that so many customers and friends of SSK Insurance joined us in donating turkeys, making this holiday season a little brighter for many."
STERLING DONATES CAR FOR HOSPICE
Sterling Insurance of Bellingham has donated a car that will be sold to benefit the PeaceHealth, Whatcom County Hospice Foundation through the Volunteers of America Program in December, according to a press release.
Courtney Brown, sales and marketing project coordinator, said she hopes the car will bring a high price: "It's in great running condition and only has about 30,000 miles on it!"
Reach JULIE SHIRLEY at julie.shirley@bellinghamherald.com or call 715-2261.
