Front Porch
Published 1:30 am Monday, December 25, 2017
WAYS TO HELP
A Simple Gesture for food banks
A Simple Gesture is an all-volunteer program that aims to help food banks receive regular food donations.
People sign up to donate food, then place donations in an empty green reusable bag on their front porch at regularly scheduled intervals. Volunteers pick up the bags and deliver them to the food bank.
The Arlington Community Food Bank plans to start the programin 2018. Volunteers are needed to sign up to be regular donors. Volunteers also are needed to pick up donations.
More info: asimplegesturearlington@gmail.com, 360-545-3538
Other local food banks using the Simple Gesture program include:
Stanwood Camano Food Bank, 360-572-4148, asimplegesture@scfbs.org, www.stanwoodcamanofoodbank.org/a-simple-gesture
Marysville Community Food Bank, 360-658-1054, asimplegesture.mcfb@frontier.com, www.marysvillefoodbank.org/asimplegesture
Help make music
The Snohomish County Music Project welcomes volunteers. There are opportunities for audio-visual engineers, carpenters, event coordinators, painters and more. The Music Project is a nonprofit that focuses on making communities stronger through music. Programs include music lessons for children, and group music therapy for veterans and seniors.
More info: scmusicproject.org/get-involved
Make blankets for kids
The Binky Patrol, a group of quilters, knitters and crocheters who make “binkies” for children in traumatic situations, seeks volunteers and donations of fabric, yarn or thread. The group meets next on Jan. 7 (first Sunday, second Sunday if a holiday) in Marysville.
More info: 360-659-7198
Project Linus also makes quilts and blankets to donate to Snohomish County kids who have experienced traumatic life events. The next Project Linus event is set for 12:30-2:30 p.m. Jan. 9 (second Tuesday) at the Carl Gipson Senior Center of Everett, 3025 Lombard Ave. Materials and equipment are provided. Bring a sewing machine if you have one.
More info: Diane, 425-252-4524
Tutors needed at EvCC
Everett Community College’s Volunteer Literacy Program seeks volunteers who can tutor adults learning basic reading, writing and math skills and students learning English. An interview and a training workshop are required.
More info: cbeattie@everettcc.edu, 425-388-9085
HEADS UP
What’s your commute story?
Street Smarts columnist Melissa Slager wants to hear from people with noteworthy commutes for future stories. How do you get to work? Is it a three-hour roll by Segway? How about by airplane? Or did you negotiate a telecommute that’s a few stairs and a cup of coffee away? Send your weird and wonderful stories to streetsmarts@heraldnet.com.
