Before last November, my worries over whether we would survive as a people were pretty simple.
It was centered on the warning on the laundry box labels not to eat the soap pods inside and all the medication ads telling us not to use prescriptions to which we are allergic.
Pretty tame stuff now that I look back on it.
I don’t know about anyone else but today I am confused. Executive order after executive order brings lawsuit after lawsuit. Temporary orders become permanent or dismissed so quickly I can’t keep up.
Madness!
People have lost their jobs and I fear their homes won’t be far behind. Governmental agencies, nonprofits, educational facilities and health departments are disbanded, defunded, and we, the people, have no say in any of it.
Since I am neither a constitutional scholar, lawyer, politician nor lobbyist, I fear my hands are tied on the political stage.
So, I will return to what I do know. In times of trouble and confusion my course of action is to volunteer and donate.
Our local nonprofits, schools and businesses need our support. So today, I will share some of the community programs we can help here at home.
The South Sound Senior Center is celebrating the return of PALS Week for low-income seniors who cannot afford veterinary bills for their beloved pets. If you need help paying for pet care, check this out.
To be eligible for pet assistance you must be age 60 or over, live in Thurston or Mason counties and meet the program's guidelines to qualify as low income. Visit their PALS Pet Assistance Fund resources page for more information about receiving benefits. Please note funds are limited and will be awarded while funding lasts.
You are welcome to contribute to the fund through its online donation portal or by mailing a check to:
Senior Services for South Sound
222 Columbia Street NW
Olympia, WA 98501
Please note in the check memo that funds are to be directed to the PALS Fund.
To make a gift over the phone, please call the Development Office at 360-568-6181 ext. 106 or click here.
Joint Animal Services always need supplies and money to properly care for all the animals that enter the shelter each week. With all the economic problems our community and country currently face, homeless animals and their needs are often overlooked.
The shelter can always use blankets, towels, quality canned and dry pet food, and other pet supplies. Like most shelters, the greatest need is money–medication and veterinary care.
Sign up to be a foster home or donate special items. Extra young ones mean extra needs for the shelter. Please consider donating some of the following items that are specific needs at this time of year:
Donations can be dropped off at or sent to:
Animal Services, 3120 Martin Way, Olympia, WA 98506. You can also donate by phone at (360) 352-2510. Please have your credit card ready. For more information, click here.
Registration is officially open for the Olympia Lions first Stride for Sight, a 5K and 10K run and 1 mile walk/run along the Chehalis Western Trail.
The event will take place on April 12 with 100% of the proceeds going to support the Lions Low Vision Resource Center (LVRC) on Martin Way in Olympia.
Sponsored by Olympia Host Lions Club, Stride for Sight welcomes runners and walkers along both 5K and 10K USA Track & Field certified and timed courses.
In addition, a family friendly and free 1-mile course will be open to walkers, runners, wheelchairs and strollers.
Blind runners are welcome on all courses and sighted partner or guide registers for free.
According to Stride for Sight Chairman Andrew Beattie, sponsorships and community support will make the event successful.
"Key sponsors like PARC (Foundation), Kiley Juergens Wealth Management and the Law Office of Harold Carr have stepped up to ensure this event is a financial win for the individuals we serve at the Low Vision Resource Center," Beattie says.
Other sponsors to date include Capital Eyes Optical, Twin Star Credit Union, Rainier Eye, Bill Yount Insurance and Olympia Computer.
In addition, many businesses are providing in-kind assistance, and the Tumwater High School football team will be out in force to help on race day.
The LVRC provides the free loan of magnifying equipment and devices to individuals with failing or limited vision. Managed and staffed entirely by volunteers, the center operates on Lions fundraisers, grants and donations from caring individuals
To learn more about the LVRC, call the Lions EyeLine at 360-790-8667 or to register for the Stride for Sight, click here.
There will be more opportunities to help listed in future columns. Feel free to send me information about programs in need.
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