Ways to give charitably during the holidays and throughout the year

We usually talk about arts and culture on Thursdays, but today we wanted to pivot to something that's cultural in a different way, charitable giving. It is the holiday season. The phrase brings up scenes of warmth, generosity, and cheerfulness for many. But for some of us, it conjures up the opposite.

Our region benefits from many organizations that offer assistance to people experiencing homelessness, not just now, but year-round. We reached out to two people familiar with the kinds of support these organizations need. Anna Patrick is a Seattle Times staff reporter and part of their Project Homeless team. And Patrick Barredo is the Director of Social Outreach and Advocacy at St. James Cathedral in Seattle.

This interview has been edited for clarity.

Kim Malcolm: Anna, there are lots of folks out there who are motivated to give at this time of year. But that doesn't always work out for the nonprofit organizations that you've covered. Can you explain a bit about that dynamic?

Anna Patrick: One thing we hear often from folks is that sometimes people with the best intentions can often create more work for them if they donate items that they really don't need. An overarching theme I hear often from homeless service organizations is, first of all, do your research, or just give them a quick call before you donate anything.

Around Thanksgiving, you put together a list of local organizations that assist people experiencing homelessness. We asked you to give us a list of the kinds of giving that actually helps. What are the basics?

One of the biggest themes I heard this season is for basic items to help keep people warm, things like hats, coats, gloves, hand warmers, wool socks, blankets, and also, considering that Seattle winters can be very rainy, a lot of organizations are looking for rain ponchos or umbrellas, things that help keep people warm and dry.

Do people want these items new?

Yes. What I hear often is, treat others like you would want to be treated. It is really encouraged to deliver them in new or gently used conditions. Would you want to receive an old, holey pair of socks? No. If the answer is no, then don't do it.

How about financial donations, which might be the easiest way for some people to give?

I don't know of an organization that would turn you down a monetary donation. I recommend you go to your favorite organization’s website first and check out how to do that. Another thing that we hear often from homeless service providers this holiday season is many are looking for gift card donations. As a holiday present, it's really a dignified and more empowered way to give a gift to someone, and let them choose what their gift looks like.

Patrick Barredo is the Director of Social Outreach and Advocacy at St. James Cathedral:

The needs that I'm seeing are more requests for rental assistance. People have been drastically affected by the pandemic. I know that we're a growing region. We are experiencing a lot of good things here. But it's also coming at a cost, where people just aren't able to afford housing. There's not enough affordable housing units, and of course, jobs. Many people want the dignity of being able to say that they are earning their own paycheck, but there are not enough jobs in our region that allow for people to be able to afford rent.

Barredo says nonperishable food donations are always needed. He says he's seeing more and more families who are unsure of where their next meal is going to come from. The cathedral offers dinner five nights a week for anyone in need. And Patrick says volunteers are always welcome:

More than anything else, what we really, truly appreciate is the presence of people who are concerned, who want to have a small but significant impact, people who are able to volunteer, to join us, who are willing to encounter the people who come to St. James, who are vulnerable, who are cold, who are hungry.

Listen to the interview by clicking the play button above.