West Seattle, Washington
11 Saturday
That’s another view of one of the windows broken at Baked Custom Cakes in The Admiral District by a vandal who also broke windows at Alki Bike and Board next door, as reported here on Thanksgiving Day. The holidays can be a make-or-break time for small businesses, but these two are bearing extra expense because of the vandalism. We mentioned Alki Bike and Board’s sales last weekend; Baked also has something you might want to buy:
Proprietor Kristina tells WSB that she’s selling gingerbread kits – not just houses, but also cookies – that matter a lot to her bottom line “especially this season with having to replace my shop windows; as you can imagine those are not cheap and this is a slower time for me so these really get me through the holidays.” You can order kit(s) online at curbside-store.square.site. (Part of the proceeds also benefit West Seattle Food Bank.)
Now that December has begun, January is in view, and it’s not too soon to think about resolutions for 2026. If you’re thinking about volunteering, here’s an option: Volunteer to talk with adult English-language learners who want to practice conversation skills.
A new conversation circle is starting up at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), Friday afternoons, 12:30 pm to 2 pm, January 9 through March 13, in partnership with Literacy Source. If you’re interested in volunteering, email carolines@literacysource.org (and if you’re a beginning/intermediate English-language learner interested in participating, just show up on January 9).
The Kiwanis Club of West Seattle‘s main mission is to support local youth – including local Scout troops and Key Clubs at local high schools. One way to help them do that is to buy tickets for their annual holiday Pancake Breakfast, coming up December 6 (one week from tomorrow, with Santa photos as part of the deal). Another way: Bid in their online auction, with items up for grabs including shopping sprees at West Seattle businesses. The auction is open now and you can bid by going here! You can also buy Pancake Breakfast tickets at the Kiwanis’s booth at the south end of the West Seattle Farmers’ Market this Sunday – 10 am-2 pm, California/Alaska. (WSB is a community co-sponsor of the Pancake Breakfast.)
West Seattle is served by two food banks. Most of the peninsula is in the jurisdiction of the West Seattle Food Bank. But south West Seattle is in the jurisdiction of the White Center Food Bank. And as with WSFB, it’s faced with growing need. “While SNAP/food stamp benefits have been temporarily restored, uncertainty remains and the demand on our services continues to grow. We were stretched thin even before these shifts, and we are actively working to ensure we can continue meeting the evolving needs of our community,” writes WCFB’s Randy Nguyen in the food bank’s “end-of-year appeal,” which we were asked to share. They’re thankful for “incredible support, from hosted food drives to financial donations and volunteer hours, all of which have helped us keep our community fed,” but now is the time to step it up: “This season is a crucial time for nonprofits, and every gift helps us meet the growing needs of families, seniors, and individuals who rely on our services, while ensuring we can keep the community fed into the new year, when donations decline but demand remains steady.” Last year, WCFB distributed more than 1.6 million pounds of food, and this year’s total will be higher. They’re asking you, if you can, to make a tax-deductible gift before year’s end – just go here.
Friends of Roxhill Elementary are gathering community support for families at their “small but mighty” school – here’s the request we were asked to share:
This year, more than any in recent memory, families at Roxhill Elementary are reaching out for support. With rising costs, limited government assistance, and growing food insecurity, more than 50 of our families have asked for help with groceries and basic essentials. That’s why we’re turning to our West Seattle community to help us ensure these families are supported through our Winter Basic Needs Fundraiser.
Roxhill is a small-but-mighty Title I school in the south end of West Seattle, serving approximately 250 students. 60% of our students qualify for free and reduced lunch, and more than 72% come from BIPOC communities. What truly defines our school, though, is our strong sense of community—our commitment to showing up for one another in meaningful ways.
During winter break, many students lose access to the free breakfasts and lunches they rely on during the school year. Our goal is to bridge that gap so families can keep everyone fed throughout the holidays. If you are in a position to give, please consider donating to Friends of Roxhill. 100% of your contribution goes directly to supporting families.
Together, we can show every Roxhill family that they are seen, valued, and cared for. Please consider making a donation today.
Five years after Atticus Caudle, then an eighth grader, started what’s become a family tradition – a drive-up/ride-up donation drive collecting food and coats, he flew home from college pre-dawn today to get here in time. The Caudles hope you can help fill the West Seattle Food Bank‘s van, in a season where WSFB says food need is up more than 60 percent (and need for coats/jackets is always strong):
Donors were arriving even as we stopped in to check in:
They’re in the parking lot behind Hope Lutheran, entry off westbound SW Oregon, either via 41st SW or the alley east of 42nd SW, until 3 pm. Just pull in and they’ll do the unloading!
Highland Park Elementary students won’t get an outdoor experience unless grant money is raised. Here’s the request we received to share with you:
Let’s Keep the Highland Park Elementary Overnight Camp Tradition Alive!
For decades, Highland Park Elementary 5th graders have spent an unforgettable week at Camp Sealth, building confidence, resilience, and connection with nature.
This year, state budget cuts canceled our Outdoor Learning Grant—and we need to raise $15,000 to make camp possible.
Highland Park is a wonderfully diverse West Seattle school — 71% of our students are from minority backgrounds, and about 60% are classified as economically disadvantaged. Many of our students have never had the chance to experience an overnight outdoor camp, and this program would provide an incredible opportunity for learning, teamwork, and connection with nature.
The crowdfunding link is here.
If you have food and/or coats/jackets to donate, but haven’t been able to haul the item(s) to a local donation site yet, the most convenient drive of the season is coming up Saturday (November 22):
The Caudle Family‘s annual drive-up/ride-up donation drive in the lot behind Hope Lutheran started with son Atticus organizing it as a middle-schooler in 2020 (with almost a ton of donations!); this year, it’s happening earlier than past years, as he’ll be home from college to be part of it. Just bring your donation(s) to the lot, entrance on the north side of SW Oregon just east of 42nd SW, 10 am-3 pm Saturday!
Once again this year, John Moore‘s insurance agency is collecting Toys for Tots, and you’re invited to donate. John, a longtime WSB sponsor, sent word of this year’s drive along with a big change for his agency:
(2024 photo)
Each year our agency participates in the Toys for Tots donation drive. Each year I am amazed by the generosity of our clients and our community. This year I know we can do it again, but we need your help. While we may have officially changed our name – Northwest Insurance Group is now Highstreet Insurance – we remain the same great team, providing the same level of service and protection our clients have come to know and expect. Three years ago, I joined Highstreet Insurance, part of a national brokerage, to provide something bigger to my team and our clients. Now, with partners across the country, access to the entire insurance marketplace, and the ability to offer more benefits to our clients, we are stronger than ever. We are excited for the future; we are excited to be part of a bigger team while we remain committed to protecting where we live and work. You will still find us in the same location on California Ave, we still have the same great team in place, and we still know how important it is to support our local community. We are thrilled to serve as a drop-off location for the Toys for Tots toy drive this year and we encourage everyone who can help spread some joy and holiday cheer to local kids in need this season.
John and the rest of his Highstreet Insurance West Seattle team are at 5431 California SW, and open for dropoffs weekdays from 8 am to 4:30 pm.
With high-school basketball season starting soon, Chief Sealth International High School Basketball is not only practicing, but also launching “Play It Forward” – supporters sent this explanation of what it’s all about and how the wider community will benefit too:
Chief Sealth Basketball Launches “Play It Forward,” A Community Effort to Boost Students and Spirit
Something special is taking shape at Chief Sealth International High School this fall.
The school’s basketball teams have united to launch a new initiative called Play It Forward, a community-based campaign that blends basketball, service, and hope. The goal is to raise $8,000 by November 30, to equip student-athletes with needed gear while also inspiring them to give back through community service.
For every $100 raised, players will complete one hour of service, tutoring younger students, volunteering at local events, or helping neighbors in need. The idea is simple but powerful: when the community invests in its youth, those same young people invest right back
.
Like many of our local public schools, Chief Sealth has faced some difficult years, yet the students continue to demonstrate remarkable talent, heart, and leadership on and off the court.“Our kids show up every day with heart and purpose, and they hear all the things about being the ‘other’ school in West Seattle,” says Boys Head Coach Ja’Lyn Combs. “As someone who works in the building and preaches community to our students and staff, what better way to invite the community to be more involved in some of the great things happening with our student-athletes.”
Play It Forward is designed to give these students visible reminders of that pride. From warm-ups, backpacks, and uniforms to transportation to games outside of the Metro League, these things remind them that they belong, that they matter, and that they represent something bigger than themselves.
“Basketball is just the starting point,” said Combs. “We’re building young men and women who understand discipline, service, and pride in where they come from. Every hour of community work our players do matters. It’s how we change the story for Sealth because there is nothing like giving back to the community that shows up to support you.”
Both the Boys and Girls coaches are deeply invested in mentoring student-athletes beyond basketball, helping them build confidence, character, and community awareness.
Meet the Coaches Leading the Charge
Girls’ Head Coach Wilfredo Pablo is a Chief Sealth graduate who returned to give back to the school that shaped him. He also runs Trill Drills and Skills, a local youth basketball academy focused on fundamentals, fun, and personal growth.
Boys’ Head Coach Ja’Lyn Combs, now in his second year, brings championship experience from the Garfield High School basketball program and works as the Restorative Practice Coordinator for Chief Sealth’s Restorative Practice Program.
“This is more than a fundraiser,” added Girls Head Coach Will Pablo. “It’s about keeping the community spirit going and helping these young people build pride, unity, and a sense of belonging, reminding everyone that Chief Sealth’s story is one of growth, resilience, and strength.”
How to Get Involved
Community members are invited to donate, attend games, and follow the students’ progress as they “play it forward” through service projects and team milestones.
To contribute or learn more, visit our fundraising page here!
Chief Sealth Girls Basketball | Metro League
Chief Sealth Boys Basketball | Metro LeagueBecause a win for our students is a win for the Community, and a win for our future.
Both varsity teams’ first games of the season are set for December 1st.
Two food drives in West Seattle this weekend – one on Saturday, one on Sunday – if you are able to help, here’s how:
‘FILL THE TRUCK’ WITH FOOD @ LAFAYETTE ELEMENTARY: The Lafayette Elementary PTA is organizing this:
On Saturday, November 15th from 9 am – noon, Lafayette Elementary School will be supporting the West Seattle Food Bank by collecting canned and non-perishable food for a “Fill the Truck” community food drive.
This food drive was initiated by Lafayette’s PTA in response to SNAP benefit access, government worker and military impacts during the long shutdown, and the upcoming holiday season. Help our school “Fill the Truck” and in turn assist the members of our community who are facing food insecurity.
A West Seattle Food Bank collection van will be parked out front of Lafayette Elementary (2645 California Ave SW) to collect donations from the surrounding WS community on November 15th from 9am – Noon. Any non-perishable donations from our community at-large (West Seattle neighbors, local businesses, other students and their families) are very welcome and appreciated!
These collections will be directly donated to the food bank, along with the Lafayette students’ collections from the two weeks leading up to the drive.
The WSFB’s current need list is in our calendar listing for this drive.
ALKI UCC FOOD DRIVE: Every month, Alki UCC has an in-person donation drive; here’s the list of food they’re hoping to collect this Sunday, 11 am-3 pm:
This Month’s Priority Need:
FOOD!! Feed the People!The Alki UCC Donations Drive helps stock the food pantry at “The Welcome Table,” Westside Interfaith Network’s weekly hot meal program.
Needed Pantry Items include Peanut Butter, Canned Meats/Tuna/Veggies/Fruit, Vegetable Soup, Beans, Low-Sugar Cereal (ie Cheerios or Chex), Rice, Powdered Milk, Applesauce, Snack Packs.
Pet Food in marked Ziploc bags is also welcome, as well as gift cards to local grocery stores.
Bring your donations anytime to Alki UCC’s front-porch barrel but especially this Sunday for our monthly in-person drive.
Alki UCC is at 6115 SW Hinds.
The holiday season is about to accelerate. Lots of special events in the next few days, including the “Treasures and Treats” sale at Providence Mount St. Vincent (4831 35th SW; WSB sponsor) – here’s their announcement:
Celebrate the season with your Mount neighbors supporting a good cause!
You’re invited to Providence Mount St. Vincent’s ‘Treasures and Treats Holiday Sale and Bake Sale’! Join the fun and discover unique gifts and delicious treats while supporting The Mount in their renovation of their cafeteria into a welcoming bistro for their residents.
November 14th and 15th
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: 4831 35th Ave SW — in The Mount’s Front LobbyThe Mount’s Emilie’s Treasures Thrift Shop will also be open extended hours this week, through November 15th, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily — perfect for finding gently used treasures for everyone on your Christmas list.
Calling All Bakers!
Want to help in a different way? Donate nut-free, individually wrapped baked goods ahead of the sale at the Volunteer Services office (1st floor). Your tasty treats will make the bake sale even better!
Bring your friends and family, shop for a great cause, and spread holiday cheer. Together, we’ll make the Bistro Campaign a success and kick off the season with joy.
Chances are that you haven’t answered this year’s Seattle Public Safety Survey yet, since researchers say they’ve received replies from only about a third of one percent of the people who live in the Southwest Precinct jurisdiction (West Seattle and South Park). We first told you about it a month ago; it’s only open for another two weeks. Seattle University researchers oversee it, and, they explain, “A report on the survey results will be provided to the Seattle Police Department to help them better understand your neighborhood’s safety and security concerns, and community-police dialogues will be held in May-August 2026 to provide opportunities for police-community engagement about the results.” The survey is available until November 30, in Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, English, Korean, Oromo, Somali, Spanish, Tagalog, Tigrinya, and Vietnamese, all linked here.
By Torin Record-Sand
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
West Seattle Indivisible members gathered Sunday for the first time since last month’s second nationwide No Kings demonstration, and while plans for the next protest were part of the discussion, the most urgent topic was community support in a time of growing need.
More than 70 people showed up for Sunday’s meeting at the Center for Active Living in The Junction. Organizers Laurie Reinhardt and Amy Daly-Donovan said they saw this meeting as a sign of their movement’s growth and potential for more of it. “[We’re here to talk tonight about] how we can spread our tentacles, how we can grow and reach, in ways we aren’t able to do today.” said Reinhardt.
They began with a debrief of the second No Kings demonstration on October 18th, held in many locations, including here in West Seattle at The Junction. West Seattle Indivisible said its final count for the rally here was around 1,500 attendees, five times the number who gathered here the day of the first No Kings demonstration.
But mainly they looked toward the future. The biggest announcement for the night was that West Seattle Indivisible is tentatively planning a march for late January, roughly around the time of last year’s inauguration, on either January 17th or 24th. They plan to start around Hiawatha Playfield and proceed to The Junction. One planned feature, a member from the events-planning team said, is an artistic procession of signs: “We want to create 365 signs to embody this year, one for each day naming what we have lost, a display reminding us and the public that our grief is collective, and that these things we have lost are not gone forever, and we are fighting to keep them or fighting to get them back.” They are in talks this week to plan the event, including obtaining permits from the city.
Attendees also heard more immediate ways to take civic action to support neighbors in need.
Keith Hughes of the Westside Neighbors Shelter took the podium, speaking to the need for the shelter. “We are a [non-profit] organization, all of our support comes from this community, […] and a lot of people working at that level together makes a difference,” Hughes said. He said that the shelter had hosted 72 people the previous day, and that recently there has been a sharp increase in the amount of people the shelter has served, so donations to help cover the shelter’s costs are welcome.
Hughes closed his pitch with a somber anecdote relating to the shelter’s need increasing because of the fedeerak government shutdown: “I have right now six ladies coming to the shelter every morning for breakfast, in their late 50s and 60s. All of them are government employees who have been laid off [because of the shutdown]. […] The face of homelessness is changing, and it’s changing quickly. It’s not just drug addicts and alcoholics on the street – it’s people like you and me who have lost their job, and we need to stand up for them in these tough times.”
West Seattle Indivisible members also heard from two representatives of the West Seattle Mutual Aid Party. “We are a mutual aid group, working out of the Highland Park neighborhood, with members all over West Seattle and White Center, helping to support unhoused neighbors. We provide [things like] food, water, hygiene items, survival supplies; we help fill in those gaps that aren’t being served by [public] programs,” they said, adding, “Even though we can’t change material circumstances overnight, we can make things a little safer.”
They said that people interested in the West Seattle Mutual Aid Party could attend one of two events they were hosting this week: their monthly arts and crafts night tomorrow (Tuesday, November 11), 4:30-8 PM at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), and CPR/Overdose Response training on Wednesday the 12th at The Heron’s Nest (4818 Puget Way SW).
Kate, who described herself as a “recent Chicago transplant,” passed out small whistles to meeting attendees on behalf of the Washington Whistle Warriors. She said she was inspired to take up the cause after activists in Chicago recently used whistles as a way of communicating to neighbors and fellow officers that ICE officers were in the area. If you’d like to find out more about her organization, you can visit the Whistle Warriors’ page here.
The gathering also was intended to gather supplies for local food banks, particularly the West Seattle Food Bank and White Center Food Bank. “As we know, we’re in another precarious moment in the midst of the Trump Administration, where SNAP benefits are being threatened. But people have come to the table to contribute to local food banks and mutual aid efforts,” said Reinhardt. They planned to bring a large amount of donations from the meeting to WCFB this afternoon.
The group also talked about the importance of conversation. Group leaders said that between this meeting and the prior one, they held a challenge for each member to talk to at least ten other people about difficult political subjects. Many participated, and at least one member, Donna, said they’ll continue focusing on ways to engage others in conversation.
The organizers also passed out a flyer to all attendees with 13 actions members could take. Many of these actions reflected the same messages shared by the speakers of the night – donate to mutual-aid organizations and continue strengthening the organization. But they also emphasized that members should contact their representatives on political issues they care about, such as phoning congressional representatives, or participating in Postcards 4 Democracy.
Daly-Donovan also encouraged members to consider several other organizations for mutual-aid support, such as the Long Haul Kitchen, and for members to see the Mutual Aid Hub website for other local opportunities.
The meeting ended with a potluck, and more conversation.
As we get started on Monday, here’s a reason to look forward to Friday, as announced by the West Seattle High School PTSA:
West Seattle High School PTSA will host its Fall Fundraiser on Friday, November 14 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the WSHS Commons.
Tickets are $25 and available here.
WSHS PTSA is an independent non-profit organization that supports the students and faculty of WSHS with programs, grants and advocacy. Proceeds from last year’s Fall Fundraiser helped make 30 teacher and student club grants possible. The grants have brought writers to ninth-grade classes to mentor students, provided clay and glazes for ceramics classes, bought couches for the school library, and much more.
Tickets include Mediterranean heavy appetizers and a special non-alcoholic mixed drink. The evening’s entertainment will include a performance by a WSHS student jazz ensemble. You will also have a chance to buy ceramic pieces by WSHS 3-D Art students and photographs by students in WSHS 2-D Art classes.
A silent auction will include dozens of gift cards and fun experiences from West Seattle businesses. And a live auction will feature a band-signed Pearl Jam show poster (above) inspired by Mark Twain‘s ‘The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn,’ a one-of-a-kind dinner at Canlis, an unforgettable date night at Pike Place, and more.
If you cannot attend, but would like to make a donation please go to https://wshsptsa.ejoinme.org/tickets2025.
Contact Paul Bugala (president@wshsptsa.org) with any questions.
Reminders about some of the ways you can give this weekend if you’re able to – clothing as well as food:
CLOTHING, FOOD DRIVES AT JOINER JAMBOREE: Tomorrow brings the first-ever West Seattle Joiner Jamboree (11 am-3 pm at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church, 3050 California SW) and it includes warm-clothing and food drives, organizers remind us:
The Admiral Congregational United Church of Christ will have a volunteer group at our entrance collecting Warm Clothing for distribution to our Westside Neighbors Shelter and Westside Interfaith Network — both groups have tables at the Jamboree.
The White Center Food Bank will have a barrel to accept non-perishable food donations at the event entry.
WEST SEATTLE FOOD BANK DRIVE AT PCC: Almost directly across the street from the Jamboree, West Seattle Food Bank will be on site at PCC West Seattle (2749 California SW; WSB sponsor) both days this weekend as the store kicks off another donation drive for WSFB, as previewed here – you can give either money or nonperishable food.
WEST SEATTLE THRIFTWAY WSFB DRIVE CONTINUES: In a comment on last night’s event coverage, Shelby from West Seattle Thriftway (California/Fauntleroy; WSB sponsor) said the store will continue its WSFB drive through the weekend. Last night they matched more than $6,000 in monetary donations for the food bank, for a total $12,000+ donation with the one-night special match, and they’re hoping customers will give another $8,000 this weekend so they can send WSFB $20,000.
Got a bike you don’t need any more? Here’s a way to ensure it’s used and loved!
Chief Sealth’s Bike Club is thriving, thanks in large part to the incredible generosity of the West Seattle community. Last year was our first year, and it was a huge success. After putting out a call for bike donations on the blog, we were blown away by the response — so many of you offered bikes, gear, and supplies!
With generous support from Alki Bike and Board, which donated tires, tubes, and discounted supplies, students spent the winter learning the basics of bike maintenance. Together, we repaired and gave away more than 20 donated bikes to student riders (along with helmets, of course).
In the spring, we pivoted from wrenching to riding! Interest grew so quickly that we expanded from one to two group rides each week. During these rides, students practiced safe city-riding skills, learned to communicate in groups, and built confidence (and fitness) on the hills of West Seattle. Now, as we wrap up our fall riding season, we’re looking ahead to winter — we are excited to launch our Second Annual Bike Donation Drive. We want to give students new projects to work on while continuing to grow our community of young riders.
Do you have a bike that’s gathering dust in your garage? Donate it to Chief Sealth Bike Club and help a student discover the joy and independence of cycling. We’re happy to accept all kinds of bikes — even those that need a little TLC (new tires, tubes, or a chain).
If you’d like to donate a bike or have questions about the club, please email Andy Tuller at artuller@seattleschools.org. Thank you for helping keep our community rolling!
With the SNAP funding situation not yet settled, many people are still scrambling to figure out how to feed themselves and their families. We have word today of two more ways to help the West Seattle Food Bank deal with the increased demand for its services, plus an update on how much that demand has increased.
We asked Robbin Peterson of WSFB for that update; she replied, “We only have stats from Tuesday – Nov. 4 was our first open day after Nov. 1 and the non-funding of SNAP. We had a 60% increase in shoppers that day over the first Tuesday of October.” She says a citywide update is expected tomorrow afternoon from the Seattle Food Committee. And here’s why the situation is even more dire for those in need: “Area food banks learned yesterday that while SNAP is being funded at the 50% level for November, that will not result in families receiving half of their benefits. Instead, the USDA is decreasing the maximum SNAP allotment by half, then calculating benefits as normal using this lower ceiling. With this formula, most SNAP recipients will receive far less than half their normal benefit. Between court proceedings and the time needed for DSHS to recalculate November benefits, SNAP recipients will experience a significant delay – in addition to less funding – in food assistance this month.”
So here are two more ways to help WSFB help more neighbors than ever:
THRIFTWAY MATCH TONIGHT: Compiling some advance information for tonight’s West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) Holiday Taste (4-7 pm), we learned the store is matching monetary donations made at checkouts during the event – that means your money will count double!
PCC FOOD/$ DRIVE STARTS FRIDAY: Announced by WSFB, PCC-West Seattle (WSB sponsor) is expanding its planned WSFB-support drive:
Starting this Friday, November 7, and now running through the end of the month, Admiral PCC will be hosting a food drive to benefit the West Seattle Food Bank.
Shoppers can support neighbors facing food insecurity by purchasing for donation shelf-stable items or making a financial contribution.
West Seattle Food Bank representatives will be on site Saturday Nov. 8th and Sunday Nov. 9th to connect with shoppers, answer questions, and share information about how to receive help or get involved during this critical time.
The third PCC food drive of the year in support of WSFB, this one comes at a critical time when food banks are under increased pressure to provide additional nutrition to families who rely on SNAP benefits.
You can of course donate directly to WSFB online here. Part of our area also is served by the White Center Food Bank, whose donation link is here.
An annual tradition of community giving has just begun at longtime WSB sponsor Dave Newman State Farm Insurance Agency (3435 California SW):
(Ollie, guarding the donation bins)
The 12th annual winter clothing drive has begun at Dave Newman State Farm Insurance Agency.
In conjunction with the West Seattle Food Bank/West Seattle Helpline, we are collecting donations of clothes, coats, and shoes from November 5th until January 1st. Please drop off your donations at 3435 California Ave Southwest. The office is open for donations Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. For undergarments and socks, please donate only new and unopened packages of clothing items.
Special thank you to West Seattle Recycling for their donation of collection barrels.
Pickup may be available for those who have donations but are unable to transport them.
For further information, contact the State Farm office at 206-932-1878.
Thank you, West Seattle, for your generosity and spirit of giving.
As always, donation drives will also be part of the forthcoming WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide – westseattleblog@gmail.com is the best way to get us info!
If you can donate blood, here’s another chance to do it in West Seattle: Alki Elementary invites community participation in this one-day blood drive in honor of a brave little girl, and available appointments are open now:
Please join us for Pepper’s Pals Blood Drive in honor of Alki’s very own student, Pepper!
Who: Adults 18 and over. 16 and 17 year olds can donate with a permission form. Bring your photo ID.
When: Tuesday, November 18, 11 am-5 pm (37 appointment slots, 1 hour each)
Where: Alki Elementary School Parking Lot, inside the Bloodworks Northwest Bus!
(Schmitz Park Elementary) 5000 SW Spokane St (please park in the neighborhood)How: Make an appointment here! Appointments are required. If anyone is not sure how to use the link and needs help booking an appointment, they can contact the Bloodworks Northwest DONOR CARE TEAM at 1-800-398-7888 or e-mail schedule@bloodworksnw.org
*Please note: Children under the age of 16 are not allowed onsite. Please make sure to schedule an appropriate appointment time.
About Pepper
Our brave daughter Pepper has been through an incredible journey.
In the fall of 2024, Pepper was in Mrs. Kramer’s kindergarten class (her twin brother Ace was in Mrs. Fiedorczyk’s class). Just days after their 6th birthday, Pepper was diagnosed with aplastic anemia – a rare condition where the bone marrow stops making blood cells.
After many months of treatment, countless hospital stays, and hundreds of blood and platelet transfusions, Pepper successfully received her bone marrow transplant and is doing remarkably well!
Blood donors saved Pepper’s life – during those long months waiting for transplant and again when her counts recently crashed. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for donating and paying it forward to patients who need you.
Thank you to everyone who is working together to make this event a success! Pepper’s Pals Blood Drive is a collaboration between Bloodworks NW, Alki PTA, Alki Elementary School, Girl Scout Troop 42174, and Pepper’s amazing family.
By Torin Record-Sand
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
With marine life facing increasing challenges to survive and thrive, you might wonder, who’s the next generation of people studying to help them?
Answer: People like Lola Taylor, a third-year student at Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, with an interest in marine animals. She’s a 5th-generation Seattleite who grew up here in West Seattle and graduated from Chief Sealth International High School. She is currently president of the WSU College of Veterinary Medicine Aquatics Club, which specializes in bringing speakers on the topic of veterinary work for marine animals, as well as offering lab work opportunities for students in the field.
(Officers of Aquatics Club at WSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine, from left, Isabelle Hughes, VP; Katelin Buckley, treasurer; Lola Taylor, president; Katie McDonald, secretary. Photo: Ted S. Warren)
Taylor views her work as a crucial element of the dynamic we have with local marine life. “Humans are the reason marine animals end up in rehabilitation centers, and if humans are causing the issue, they have a responsibility to resolve the issue.” she said.
Her passion started here in West Seattle, on the shores of Puget Sound. As a child, she often visited her grandparents in The Arroyos. She was in second grade when she started taking her visits seriously as a way to engage with local aquatic life. “When I went to the beach, my mom said, ‘If you want to be a scientist, they record the things they observe, so you should take a notebook with you’.”
She started noting as much as she could about the local sea-star population (only now recovering from catastrophic losses): “I’d write down colors of starfish, how many there were, if they were dead or alive, and if one was drying out in the sun at low tide, I’d take it back to the water.” All of this, she said, gave her a solid foundation and appreciation for how deeply connected we are to the life on our shores. “My parents instilled in me respect for animals and the environment from a young age, and it’s shaped the course of my volunteering and career path.” she said.
(Photo courtesy Lola Taylor)
She has continued to work locally, helping animals both on and off shore. During high school, she volunteered with the Seattle Aquarium‘s “Youth Ocean Advocates” program for three years, contributing more than 400 hours of her time. Her relationship with the aquarium has continued, as she’s recently had opportunities to shadow the veterinary work there and continue to build connections. She’s also helped with the Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network here in West Seattle. She remembered fondly volunteering at the Alki Art Fair this summer with the group, doing education work while tabling: “I signed up for a 2-hour shift and kept talking the entire time, I hadn’t even realized two hours had passed – one of my fellow volunteers said ‘are you sure you want to go back to school after this?’”
Her dream is to be able to further this work after graduating from veterinary school. She said that while the field of aquatic veterinarians is very competitive, with limited spots, she is dedicated to the cause no matter what path she might follow. “Even if I don’t end up in the dream of working 40 hours a week at an aquarium, I hope to be able to give back volunteering.” she said.
Currently, her club is raising funds for a trip to the University of Washington‘s Friday Harbor Laboratories, in the San Juan Islands. The trip will allow them to tour the laboratories, as well as participate briefly in some of the work there, and see both local Salish Sea marine species and ways they help treat them. They’re fundraising mainly to provide transportation and housing for the trip, as they’re hoping to accommodate the whole of the club – around 30 students.
She’s hoping to share her passion for Pacific Northwest marine life with her fellow students who are from elsewhere. “A lot of students in our club are students from the East Coast or [other land-locked states] who have only really seen Pullman, this is a great opportunity for them to see the Salish Sea.” she said.
If you want to donate to help her club’s cause for further education about local marine wildlife, and help inspire a future generation of doctors and scientists who could help our local marine life, you can find their page here. The campaign runs only until November 12th, and she says time is of the essence so they can make the trip.
That’s some of what had already been donated at the community-organized food and clothing drive in The Junction when we went over for a photo earlier this afternoon. We also photographed some of the organizers, who were thrilled with the response:
Basically – they just wanted to do something to help. And you can too. As we always have, we’ll continue spotlighting chances to help, and right now, with food benefits for families in need still in question, the most powerful action you can take is to financially support your local food banks – West Seattle Food Bank here, White Center Food Bank (which also serves southern WS) here.
(Photos by WSB’s Torin Record-Sand, Educare Seattle Head Start site)
By Hayden Yu Andersen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
As the federal-government shutdown enters its second month – now the second longest in U.S. history – it’s not just food programs that are running out of money. Head Start early-childhood programs in our state are among the services facing the mounting pressure of losing federal funding too.
Head Start programs serve children between the ages of 3 and 5, providing resources and child care, primarily to families whose income is below the poverty line. Without the reimbursement of federal funding as of today, families across the state are at risk of losing the early learning services Head Start programs provide, including literacy and math programs, nutritional and health services, and special support for students with disabilities.
For Seattle families – as shown on this map – these cuts will affect more than 350 students at Seattle Public Schools sites, including three local elementary schools – Roxhill at E.C. Hughes, West Seattle, and Concord International elementaries. For now, Seattle Public Schools‘ Head Start sites are expected to stay open using district contingency funds.
Facing even more of an impact in this area is Educare Seattle, a key Head Start program site in White Center that serves more than 150 kids from birth to age 5 and their families. Educare and other Head Start programs like it are supported by the Puget Sound Educational Services District, or PSESD, which supports early learning services to 35 school districts across King and Pierce counties, and Bainbridge island, as well as supporting other levels of education.
Without the renewal of vital grants, PSESD will be forced to fall back on an emergency loan to keep the doors open this month for more than 1,100 children and families for whom they provide services.
“We’re still under a lot of pressure, but it’s not an immediate shutdown,” said Lori Pittman, the PSESD’s Policy, Advocacy, and Government Relations lead. The loan, which was taken out of an emergency fund, will be enough to keep the program open through the next month, but Pittman says this won’t come without challenges.
“We’ll put off non-essential things,” she said. “If a dishwasher breaks at a center, we won’t be focused on that; we’ll be focused on supporting families at a time when we are their safety net, and keeping our staff employed.”
Currently, PSESD says they’re not in a position where they can continue to borrow money past November, Pittman said, which could lead to staff cuts, and/or closure of their programs, leaving families without the safety net Head Start provides.
So as the shutdown continues, Pittman and the rest of the PSESD staff are doing everything they can to keep the doors open, including reaching out to the community for support. This includes partnering with nonprofits such as WestSide Baby to get formula and working with food banks to keep kids fed.
To anyone able, Pittman stresses the value of donating during this crucial time, especially donations through local food banks and churches, and reaching out to local legislators and representatives, to emphasize the benefits of the Head Start program.
“We are caught up in a place where we shouldn’t be,” Pittman said. “This is about children receiving quality education, and families receiving services that help them move into self-sufficiency and off government services. This really hurts the folks who are enrolled in our programs, and our staff who come into work every day. We love these children, we love these families, and we want them to succeed. Head Start is worth the investment.”
As the shutdown continues, more programs that families, especially those at or near the poverty line, may depend on, such as SNAP benefits, are also becoming increasingly tenuous. To help support families, the Learning Communities Foundation, an organization partnered with PSESD, has started a fundraiser to support families impacted by the lack of federal support. For more information and to donate, follow the link here.
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