Donations to Herald’s Extend-a-Hand charity top $14,000

People have donated $14,360 so far this holiday season to Extend-a-Hand, The Bellingham Herald’s charity.

Extend-a-Hand helps hundreds of low-income Whatcom County residents each year with rental housing through the Opportunity Council and with medical prescriptions through Unity Care NW, formerly Interfaith Community Health Center.

The Herald covers the charity’s administrative costs for up to $50,000 in donations, so most gifts directly support people in need. Last season, community members donated $46,225.

Tax-deductible donations can be mailed to Extend-a-Hand, c/o Opportunity Council, P.O. Box 2134, Bellingham, WA 98227. Donations also can be dropped off at the Opportunity Council at 1111 Cornwall Ave. Credit card donations are accepted.

For details, call Jackie Rafata-Rinker, 360-734-5121, ext. 333.

This story was originally published December 12, 2015 at 6:30 AM with the headline "Donations to Herald’s Extend-a-Hand charity top $14,000."