Extend-a-Hand donations reach $18,000

Community members have contributed $18,320 this holiday season to Extend-a-Hand, The Bellingham Herald’s charity.

Extend-a-Hand helps low-income Whatcom County residents 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, people 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.

Details: Jackie Lafata-Rinker, 360-734-5121, ext. 333.

This story was originally published December 19, 2015 at 11:00 AM with the headline "Extend-a-Hand donations reach $18,000."