Once a year, the Emergency Food Network has a fundraising event called Empty Bowls. This year it was at Charles Wright Academy, 7723 Chambers Creek Rd, University Place, 9846. The premise of this charity event is that folks can chose amongst a large selection of handmade bowls by local potters and all of the money raised supports the Emergency Food Network. Prices typically varied between $10 and $30. The Network provides more than 15.1 million pounds of food annually to local 67 food banks.
The Toy Rescue Mission is located at at 607 South Winnifred Street, Tacoma, WA 98465. I remember when I was a Girl Scout leader, we collected toys for this fine organization. Their detailed website states that “Toy Rescue Mission (TRM) is an all-volunteer run, grass-roots organization. It was organized in 1991 with the purpose of providing toys to children who find themselves in unfortunate circumstances, either due to family hardship or an immediate disaster. TRM programs center upon recycling used but still useable toys. Its volunteers are dedicated to its Mission:”
http://www.toyrescuemission.org/index.html
The Giving Place has been in Freighthouse Square since 1997. Fifty percent of their net profits goes to local people in need. The store has gifts, snacks, cards, lottery tickets and much more.
January 2013 Update: I was sad to see that The Giving Place was gone. They had been there so long, it was a tad shocking to see the space occupied by a different tenant.
February 2013 Update: The Giving Place lives! It’s just down at the other end of Freighthouse Square. I’m so glad.