Ways to serve our local outreach partners
TACOMA RESCUE MISSION
Volunteer. TRM’s volunteer workforce is down by 95%. Volunteers practice social distancing and do not come in contact with guests, but rather prepare food to go. Sign up to volunteer. When approved, access the calendar for multiple locations.
Fifth Saturday Dinner: Contact Chandra Hallam to volunteer with Chapel Hill.
Make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches/cookies. Lunch meat and cheese also helpful. No mayonnaise or mustard. Quantities of 50 sandwiches. Individually wrapped or bagged cookies. Assemble in your home. Bring to Linda Brewer in Row A of the Chapel Hill parking lot Fridays at 3:00 pm.
Bring cookies and sandwiches directly to the Rescue Mission. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner to over 400 individuals at each meal. For safety, the kitchen has moved from serving meals in the dining hall to providing individually packed to-go meals. Deliver to the Rescue Mission food drop-off door behind the building on the left past the black gate. 425 S Tacoma Way, Tacoma WA 98402. Accepting donations: Monday–Friday, 8:00 am–4:30 pm. If the gate is locked there is a bell on the brick column at the front entrance.
Make compassion kits at home. Drop off Fridays at 3:00 pm in Row A of the church parking lot (supplies can be donated if you can’t build complete kits).
How to make a compassion kit:
- Take one resealable plastic bag (like Ziploc).
- With your family, fill the bags with some of the items below.
- Pray that God would restore the brokenness that is at the root of homelessness; poverty of resources, poverty of relationships, and spiritual poverty.
- Talk with your family about how God loves all people—even people who are different from us.
- Pray that God would also heal our own areas of poverty as we serve others.
Suggested items (pick a few):
- White athletic socks (helps prevent foot fungus)
- Hotel-sized toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, lotion, bar soap, deodorant, hand sanitizer
- Razors and shaving cream
- Soft breakfast bars
- Water bottle
- A note of encouragement and scripture
- First-aid supplies can also be brought to Linda on Fridays! (Self-adhesive wraps, band-aids, small ointment packs, and gauze)
Sew masks. You may sew any style of face mask and donate to the Rescue Mission Donation Center at 1321 Center Street, Tacoma, WA. They use them for staff, guests, and volunteers.
COFFEE OASIS
Coffee Oasis supports youth experiencing homelessness.
Donate: frozen microwavable foods (pizza bites, hot pockets, chicken nuggets, tamales), bottled/canned drinks, sanitation sprays, paper towels, gloves.
Cook: meals for homeless youth on a Wednesday.
Make cards: to deliver with meals, humor is great.
Volunteer Orientation: June 6, 9:00 am-11:00 am over Zoom. Learn more
FISH FOOD BANK
FISH has indicated that they have received a lot of support but will continue to need support to fill needs over time. Financial gifts help them be able to do that.
Donate groceries. Most needed items are posted are their website: Gig Harbor Peninsula FISH Food Bank. Bring donations to their back door at 4425 Burnham Drive, Gig Harbor, WA 98332. It helps if items are in cases or have been sanitized.
Volunteer Sign up here. PPE provided and social distancing practiced. (You’ll also need to fill out a volunteer application and email; directions on the FISH website.)
NORTHWEST FURNITURE BANK
NWFB has had to suspend its services for the time being. Here are some ways you can help:
Donate financially. To keep essential staff and to have the capability to re-open they would be grateful for any gifts. Donate here.
Donate items. From May 8, NWFB is collecting furniture and household donations by drop-off only at:
Tacoma Location, Northwest Furniture Bank
Donation Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10:00 a.m-2:00 p.m.
Address: 117 Puyallup Ave Tacoma, WA 98421
Donations accepted around the back of the building off of Dock Street. You will be assisted by staff to help follow distancing protocols. Check the website for a list of accepted items.
253-302-3868
WCCW PRISON MINISTRIES
Volunteer ministries such as the clothing closet and Celebrate Recovery are on hold to no visitors being allowed in during COVID 19.
Become a Pen Pal. Contact us if you would like to find out more about befriending a woman in prison by writing letters during this time.
FOOD BACKPACKS 4 KIDS
FB4K is still providing food to families in need at school sites. Check their website for items they need and how to donate financially.
Donate food. Drop off at the donation station shed at 6711 Kimball Drive NW, Gig Harbor, any day from 8:00 am- 8:00 pm or Saturdays from noon-1:00 pm at Henderson Bay High School and Evergreen Elementary School.
BISCHOFF FOOD BANK
The food bank on the Key Peninsula needs volunteers and donations, food or monetary. Check their website for more information and contact them about volunteering.