All holiday season long, we’ve published the stories of area nonprofits, explaining what they do and how you can support their work. This pilot project started with an invitation from the Learning Communities Foundation, and concludes today with our final spotlighted nonprofit – SMASH. Here’s their story!

At SMASH (Seattle Musicians Access to Sustainable Healthcare), we believe healthy musicians make for a healthy music scene, and Seattle’s music scene rocks! But here’s the thing: many of the musicians who bring us joy on stage, struggle to access basic health care. That’s where we come in.

SMASH offers free and low-cost health services to musicians living in the greater Puget Sound area, helping them stay in tune with their health so they can keep creating the music we all love. From dental and hearing care to mental health support, we make sure our local music creatives get the services they need to thrive.

This mission is personal to us, and it’s inspired by incredible people like West Seattle’s Susie Tennant. Susie was a beloved figure and neighbor in the West Seattle music community, known for her kindness, energy, and tireless support of musicians. Her advocacy for musicians in our community helped lead to the breakout of bands like Nirvana and countless others, and she is widely recognized as one of the most powerful people in Seattle music. Her legacy lives on in everything we do, and through our Susie Tennant Memorial Fund.

Supporting SMASH isn’t just about health care — it’s about continuing Susie’s vision of a music scene where artists are cared for and empowered to shine.

Now, in order to keep musicians healthy and playing the music we love, we need your help. By making a donation today, you will help SMASH fund life-changing care for the artists who make West Seattle – and all of the Puget Sound area – so special. Whether it’s helping a musician protect their hearing for their next gig or get the mental-health support they need, every gift makes a big difference.

Join us in supporting the creative heartbeat of our community. Be a rock star for our rock stars, and help keep our local musicians healthy – because a healthy music scene is a thriving music scene.

Donate to SMASH today!

Thanks again to everyone who’s made the West Seattle Giving Spirit series possible, from the nonprofits telling their stories to the people reading them and to those who’ve chosen to support them. Learn about all the nonprofits we’ve featured by scrolling through this archive.

The name of the spotlight organization for which you can demonstrate the West Seattle Giving Spirit today, the Westside Interfaith Network, doesn’t fully tell the story of how it works. Three times a week through year’s end, WSB is bringing you this special holiday-season opportunity to learn about, and support, some of our area’s nonprofits, in partnership with the Learning Communities Foundation. WIN isn’t about preaching – it’s about connecting and helping:

The Westside Interfaith Network (WIN) is building a strong, compassionate, and responsive community on the west side of Seattle/King County. We feed people: by showing up every Saturday, rain or shine, with a hot meal to feed 120+ people, the local population of unsheltered, ultra low-income seniors & families, refugees and asylum seekers, has come to know and trust us. We estimate that three-quarters are regulars, attending every Saturday knowing they will receive a hot home-cooked meal, toilet paper, hygiene items, socks, clothing, and food to take home, wherever their home may be. They are all experiencing food insecurity and for many this is their only significant meal for the week.

We care about our neighbors who are hurting & suffering, marginalized & unseen. We feel called (no matter what that means within our own personal spirituality or values) to serve and be of service to our neighbors who lack housing, food, and a place at the table. WIN welcomes the community with dignity and respect, meeting them “where they are at” with open hearts and spirits; we are truly “The Welcome Table.” Upon developing relationships with our guests, we assist with requests for bus tickets, work boots, outdoor equipment, gift cards, and even assistance with rent & utilities. It’s all about building relationships and community.

Faith congregations across West Seattle and Burien sign up to provide the hot meal and volunteers each week (but anyone can come volunteer!). These volunteers help distribute the basic items based on need. Hygiene items include toilet paper, shampoo, soap, razors, toothbrushes and toothpaste, feminine hygiene, diapers, first aid kits, etc. We give away women’s and kids’ clothing, and specifically for the men, we have day labor clothing of jeans, hoodies, beanies, work boots, gloves, socks, etc. For those experiencing homelessness, we have a separate distribution of sleeping bags, tarps, tents, backpacks, warm outerwear, socks, hand warmers, etc. Nearly everything is donated, though we are purchasing critical items more and more for our guests living outdoors and for the food pantry.

Last Saturday was our Gift Bag Extravaganza where we gave away 200 gift bags at our Welcome Table full of goodies and supplies all made by our faith communities.

WIN is an all-volunteer 501c3 wholly reliant on our friends and community to support our critical work. We ask that you support WIN with a financial contribution or donations of new socks, sleeping bags, coats, warm clothing, boots, and hygiene items.

WISH LIST

But most of all, come share the hot meal with us and this beloved community in White Center as a volunteer – no one is turned away! Be ready to have your heart set on fire.

DONATE
VOLUNTEER OR LEARN MORE: Email WINWelcomeTable@googlegroups.com

Our next West Seattle Giving Spirit spotlight is on Monday; you can scroll through our past spotlights here.

Giving time, money, and/or talent – all ways to demonstrate the West Seattle Giving Spirit for tonight’s spotlighted organization, the West Seattle Community Orchestras. Three times a week through year’s end, WSB is bringing you this special holiday-season opportunity to learn about, and support, some of our area’s nonprofits, in partnership with the Learning Communities Foundation. Now, here’s WSCO’s story:

We are the West Seattle Community Orchestras (WSCO) and we would love for you to join us as a musician or support us as a donor! WSCO teaches and rehearses orchestral music weekly Sept-May and performs 3 concerts annually at the Chief Sealth International High School auditorium. Registration for our January-March and March-May termsis currently open!

We play again outdoors each summer at Lincoln Park for our Summer Play Along series. And at events like West Seattle Summer Fest, WSCO hosts several instrument petting zoos for children to see, touch, and play string, wind, and percussion instruments.

WSCO provides a community dedicated to musical growth, education, and appreciation, and welcomes musicians of all ages and abilities to create and perform music together. Our multi-generational organization uniquely promotes performing arts, artistic expression, and both K-12 education and lifelong learning, with opportunities to play in four different level ensembles (Debut Orchestra, Concert Orchestra, Wind Symphony and Symphony Orchestra) and to learn to play an instrument in two classes (Student Beginning Strings and Adult Beginning Strings). WSCO does not charge tuition for students through K-12, eliminating a barrier to student participation. At every level, young people and adults play together in a relaxed, non-competitive environment that builds both confidence and community.

Half of our budget comes from adult musician dues and the other half from generous donations from members of the community like you. If you’re wondering where this money is going, here’s a high-level view of our expenses:

58% goes to compensating fairly our local conductors, coaches and staff
21% goes to renting rehearsal and concert spaces with Seattle Public Schools
20% goes to purchasing music, insurance, hosting our website…
And last but not least, your donations help us keep the program free for students through K-12!

DONATE

REGISTER

Our next West Seattle Giving Spirit spotlight is Friday; you can scroll through our past spotlights here.

You give, they thrive! Here’s your next chance to demonstrate the West Seattle Giving Spirit. Three times a week through year’s end, WSB is bringing you this special holiday-season opportunity to learn about, and support, some of our area’s nonprofits, in partnership with the Learning Communities Foundation. Tonight – the West Seattle & Fauntleroy YMCA:

Health and wellness should be accessible to everyone; and your contribution to the West Seattle YMCA will help make that a reality. All donations will be used to subsidize membership and program costs for those in financial need.

Every month we provide subsidized memberships for more than 550 people at our West Seattle and Fauntleroy facilities. These scholarships help people of all ages, abilities, and interests.

In some cases, it is helping a senior member attend an Active Older Adult fitness class or join our monthly potlucks and outings. Seniors can also have access to aquatic classes designed for their needs and for those with disabilities, or private personal-training sessions to support their lifestyle and health goals.

For others, a scholarship means that a child can have access to youth sports leagues and performance trainings. Youth can also attend youth equipment orientations, which educate young members on how to use gym equipment safely, practice good gym etiquette, and move their bodies correctly.

By contributing to the YMCA of West Seattle, you are helping to strengthen the community and ensure that these vital programs continue to thrive. Your generosity will create a lasting impact, fostering a healthier, more connected community for all.

DONATE
LEARN MORE

The Y’s main West Seattle location is in The Triangle, at 3622 SW Snoqualmie, 206-935-6000. The Y is a WSB sponsor; nonprofits were chosen for these spotlights by the Learning Communities Foundation, which made an open call for participants and assigned the spots first-come first-served. Watch for the next spotlight Wednesday; see who’s already been featured by scrolling through this archive.

The West Seattle Giving Spirit sustains thousands of people in our neighborhoods – and orcas too, as you’ll see in today’s spotlight. Three times a week through year’s end, WSB is bringing you this special holiday-season opportunity to learn more about, and support, some of our area’s tireless nonprofits, in partnership with the Learning Communities Foundation. Today – The Whale Trail, which may sound like a place, but is much more than that:

Celebrating West Seattle’s Role in Orca Conservation: The Whale Trail

(Girl Scouts learning about whales at Lincoln Park)

The Whale Trail is a series of places to watch orcas or other marine mammals from shore. Their mission is to inspire appreciation and stewardship for marine mammals and their environment. Their overarching goal is to recover the endangered southern resident orcas from the threat of extinction.

From 16 inaugural locations in Washington, there are now more than 130 sites along the west coast from California to British Columbia. Each site has an accompanying page on their website, and many feature interpretive panels. In 2012, the organization received a City of Seattle Neighborhood Matching Fund grant to place four signs in West Seattle and purchase 36 pairs of binoculars, which have been put to good use along West Seattle shores!

“When whales are near, our volunteer naturalists pass out the binoculars and help people spot and learn about the whales they are seeing.” Sandstrom says. “Watching whales from shore has played a critical role in orca recovery. When people learn the whales are endangered, the first thing they want to know is, how can I help?”

The Whale Trail was founded in 2008 by a core team of partners including NOAA Fisheries, WDFW, Seattle Aquarium, and the Whale Museum. Many members of the team first met through successful efforts to return Springer, an orphaned orca, to her pod. “Springer showed me what’s possible when people work together for the whales.” Sandstrom notes, “The Whale Trail was founded in that same collaborative spirit.”

The Whale Trail is headquartered in West Seattle. “I’m not sure I could have started this project anywhere else.” Says Sandstrom. “From businesses and community groups to our incredible volunteers, everyone has been so supportive. I feel lucky to live in a place that really embraces nonprofits.”

Leadership in Orca Recovery

Sandstrom recently served on Governor Inslee’s Task Force on Southern Resident Orca Recovery, where she championed a recommendation to license commercial whale-watching. The recommendation became law in 2019, with rules that were recently updated.

Starting January 1, 2025, all boaters must stay at least 1,000 yards away from southern residents. The distance is based on science showing the harmful impact of noise and disturbance on the orcas ability to find and catch their prey.

“When the whales return to the Salish Sea, it’s quieter,” Sandstrom says. “We can all be proud of a public process that worked! There are now nine calves under five years old, and six of those are female. Whether they survive and thrive into adulthood is up to us.”

Welcome the Orcas 2024

Join The Whale Trail next Tuesday (December 10) to celebrate the seasonal return of the southern resident orcas to central Puget Sound, and learn how to protect them. Get tickets here.

The Whale Trail is a small organization with a mighty impact! You can help by donating, volunteering, and attending events. Visit The Whale Trail’s website to learn more.

DONATE HERE
VOLUNTEER HERE
LEARN MORE HERE
QUESTIONS? Donna Sandstrom – info@thewhaletrail.org

Scroll through our archive of West Seattle Giving Spirit spotlights here (newest to oldest), and watch for the next one on Monday!

The West Seattle Giving Spirit sustains thousands of people in our area. Among them, the families served by WestSide Baby, the next spotlighted organization in our holiday-season series. Three times a week through year’s end, WSB is bringing you this special holiday-season opportunity to learn more about, and support, some of our area’s tireless nonprofits, in partnership with the Learning Communities Foundation. Here’s how to “Give Joy,” and more, via WestSide Baby:

For nearly 25 years, WestSide Baby has been a lifeline for families in King County, providing essential items to children in need. Through the generosity of our community, we support thousands of families each year.

One of our most meaningful efforts is our Give Joy campaign, which runs through December 31st. This campaign addresses the need for warm clothing and diapers, as the colder months approach. Winter can be especially challenging for families facing financial hardship, and Give Joy helps ensure children have the basics they need to stay warm and healthy.

Over the past year, WestSide Baby has seen an increased need for our services. In 2023, we distributed more than 2.7 million diapers and this year, we’ve fulfilled more than 15,469 orders — a 14% increase over last year at this time.

As the need for our services grows, we’re calling on you to help us make an even-bigger impact. Every donation makes a difference and helps us reach even more families in need. We invite you to join us in spreading joy and supporting families when they need it most.

Donate here

Volunteer here

Questions? info@westsidebaby.org

Scroll through our archive of West Seattle Giving Spirit spotlights here (newest to oldest), and watch for the next one on Wednesday!

Another cold night begins … and the West Seattle Giving Spirit sustains the Westside Neighbors Shelter, our next spotlighted organization in our holiday-season series. Three times a week through year’s end, WSB is bringing you this special holiday-season opportunity to learn more about, and support, some of our area’s hardworking nonprofits, in partnership with the Learning Communities Foundation. Tonight – consider this one-of-a-kind shelter:

On a freezing night in 2019, Keith Hughes opened the doors of the American Legion Hall to a handful of people with nowhere to sleep safely and stay warm. As Commander of American Legion Post 160, he was used to assisting veterans; however, he knew he also had to respond to the emergency needs of the men and women huddled outside his door.

Since then, Westside Neighbors Shelter has expanded to act as a morning warmup center year-round, with hot drinks and breakfast. From November into March, the hall becomes a sleeping room filled with cots, giving unhoused adults a place to stay warm and dry when the outside temperatures fall to dangerous levels. Hot dinners and breakfast are provided by the local community. People experiencing homelessness can shower and get clean clothing. All adults are welcome, regardless of gender, whether or not they’re a veteran.

Westside Neighbors Shelter is a volunteer-operated emergency shelter; it currently receives no funding from government sources. The shelter has only one paid employee: a security professional who watches the hall when it’s occupied overnight. Community donations of money, labor, and supplies help provide food, heat, and basic sanitation for the increasing number of people unable to find a place to live in West Seattle and Burien.

As word of this place grew, so did the number of men and women hoping for a hot meal, a shower and clean clothes, and a place to shelter from a freezing night. The number of people seeking shelter here has risen dramatically–from up to 20 per night in 2019 to up to 40 per night in 2023. “I don’t see that stopping or even leveling off,” says Keith.

Keith estimates that last winter the shelter handed out 1,300 pairs of socks, 800 stocking caps, 800 pairs of gloves, 500 sets of clothing, and 400 winter coats. “We take care of a lot of people here. I am sure it’s 500 or 600 individuals over the winter,” he says.

“We’re providing temporary emergency sheltering. Most of the people who come here are on a journey to find permanent housing solutions, and this is a stopover on the journey.”

“We don’t get a lot of feedback from people who are here for one or two nights and move on. But out of the core of longer-term clients, we have had our successes with those who have been able to find interim housing solutions, and those who have come to their own realization that they need professional help for mental-health issues, alcohol and drug overuse issues, and we have sometimes been able to help them find resources to meet their needs. Those resources are outside of this facility, because we can’t provide those resources directly here at this time,” says Keith.

Your support can keep dozens of people safe and warm every night this time of year.

DONATE HERE
VOLUNTEER HERE
WHAT’S NEEDED MOST
LEARN MORE ABOUT WESTSIDE NEIGHBORS SHELTER

Scroll through our archive of West Seattle Giving Spirit spotlights here, and watch for the next one on Monday!

Today, we continue our series of spotlights to cheer on your West Seattle Giving Spirit. Last week, we invited local nonprofits to participate in this first-ever coordinated giving campaign – first-come first-served – and our partner in the campaign, Learning Communities Foundation, received enough applications to fill the spots. Three times a week before year’s end, here on WSB, you’ll be able to spend a few minutes learning about a different West Seattle/White Center nonprofit and how you can support it. Today – find out what you didn’t know about the West Seattle Food Bank, and how to support WSFB!

West Seattle Food Bank was founded by a group of concerned neighbors who responded to the urgent need for a community food bank. For more than three decades, we have provided access to food, clothing, emergency rent and utility assistance, connections to community resources, and other essential services for community members. Each year we offer comprehensive, holistic, wraparound services to thousands of neighbors in the greater West Seattle area.

With our community-centered approach, we are working toward the vision of a strong and connected community where all people have access to safe and nutritious food and living necessities. We nourish lives, so that we may all flourish together.

Other key accomplishments of our programs and services in FY2024 include:

-Served 25,000 neighbors.
-Distributed 2,608,510 pounds of food through our Food Bank Services, a 9% increase from FY23.
-Supplied food to households 103,314 times, an 50% increase from FY21.
-Expanded our Mobile Food Bank to 8 sites and served 200-275 households weekly—a 55% increase in reach.
-Partnered with 13 local schools to distribute 9,007-weekend food packages for students battling food insecurity.
-Prevented homelessness, eviction, and utility shutoffs for 2,038 neighbors, including 830 children.
-Nearly doubled our financial assistance, which surged by 244% to over $1 million.
-Connected clients to next-step services that increase financial stability, including employment search assistance, child-care resources, and mental health counseling. 
-Increased the capacity of The Clothesline, which saw a 77% increase from FY23.
-Connected 2,038 Hotline callers to supportive services.

The past year has marked a significant increase in our impact, highlighting West Seattle Food Bank’s essential role in addressing food insecurity and providing critical resources for our community. With growing needs in our community and dwindling reserves, we are facing tough decisions about how to continue providing food and housing assistance to families in crisis. By giving today, you can help us continue offering stability and compassion to every neighbor who needs it. Join us in nourishing hope!

Here’s how:
–TO DONATE
–TO VOLUNTEER
-TO LEARN MORE ABOUT WSFB

West Seattle Giving Spirit, in partnership with the Learning Communities Foundation, will bring you the next spotlight on Monday – you’ll be able to learn about, and lift up, another local nonprofit!