Where to Donate for the Holidays in Pierce County

With the holidays quickly approaching, many families are looking to churches, food banks and other charitable organizations for support. On the other side of that, many others are looking for ways to help provide food and gifts for families. Several organizations are accepting donations for Thanksgiving dinners, Christmas dinners and gifts for children of all ages. With the help of the community, many in need will be able to enjoy the holidays to the fullest knowing that their families are taken care of.

Read on for a list of places where you can either donate to or benefit from community services during the holidays in Pierce county.

Where to Donate for Thanksgiving

Fort Lewis Bread of Life

The Bread of Life in the Fort Lewis area is working hard to provide meals for families this holiday season. Lucy, director of the Fort Lewis Bread of Life, explains, “We have about 125 families each week, so we’re trying hard to get enough.” If you are in the Fort Lewis area and would like to donate or benefit from their Thanksgiving meal program, please contact the food bank by calling 253-582-2515.

Bonney Lake Food Bank
Ryan (left) and Earl (right) are the daily helpers at the Bonney Lake Food Bank. Photo credit: Shelby Beckwith

Puyallup Freemasons (Corinthian Lodge #38)

The Corinthian Lodge #38 in Puyallup is holding a hot meal on Thanksgiving Day. This meal is open to the public and they will start serving at 2:00 p.m. Camille Lowery, a member of the organization, says, “If you need a meal, come on down.” The Puyallup Freemason Corinthian Lodge #38 is located at 1005 W Pioneer Avenue in Puyallup. Contact the lodge at 253-845-6761 to learn more about how you can donate time or food.

Community Big Give

Community Big Give is doing great things for the holidays in the Bonney Lake-Sumner area. Thad Huff, coordinator of the charity, says, “The mission is to provide a Thanksgiving meal for every family in our community that would have need.” The donation event is organized out of Open Life Church. People can donate funds on the Community Big Give website under the “donate” tab. People in the Bonney Lake and Sumner area who wish to receive a voucher for Community Big Give can pick one up at their Bonney Lake and Sumner Food Bank and they are also available through school counselors in the districts. The distribution in Bonney Lake is held from 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 18, and the Sumner distribution is held at Sumner High School from 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. also on November 18. The Community Big Give starts to gather volunteers in January of each year, which goes to show how much the community loves to be involved in this special event. Thad explains, “It’s incredible what happens when we can share in something like this for the community.” To learn more about receiving a voucher for this event or donating, contact Community Big Give on their website or at 253-987-6778.

Orting Food Bank Thanksgiving Donations
Assistant Director Pam Hornsby (left) and Director Robin Hash (right), working hard to provide for families at the Orting Food Bank. Photo credit: Shelby Beckwith

Orting Food Bank

Orting Food Bank is currently accepting donations and applicants for the Thanksgiving dinner program. Turkeys and potatoes are provided annually by Arrow Lumber & Hardware in Orting. Robin Hash, director of the Orting Food Bank says, “That’s the great thing about a small community like this, everyone gets involved.” To donate or if you are an Orting resident in need of a holiday meal, visit the Orting Food Bank at 224 Washington Avenue or call 360-893-0095. Thanksgiving meals are distributed on November 21, the Tuesday before Thanksgiving.

Where to Donate for Christmas

Tacoma Salvation Army

The Salvation Army in Tacoma is looking to gather donations for children’s Christmas gifts. The organization is collecting gifts at the Shield Center on 6th Avenue on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. and are currently accepting applications for recipients. Donors can also sign up at many of the Angel Trees around Pierce County, like those found in the Tacoma Mall. For more information on what the Tacoma Salvation Army contributes to families during the holiday season, call 253-572-8452.

Bonney Lake Food Bank
Even the snow can’t stop Stew from loading in donations at the Bonney Lake Food Bank. Photo credit: Shelby Beckwith

Puyallup Food Bank

The Puyallup Food Bank not only provides holiday food for families, but they also provide Christmas gifts for children through community donations. To donate or receive food or toys, contact the Puyallup Food Bank at 253-848-5240.

YWCA Pierce County

The Holiday Giving Program at the YWCA aims to provide gifts for adults and children during the holiday season. The week prior to Christmas, the organization opens their basement as a store where people can select a Christmas gift. To donate gifts to YWCA, go to 405 Broadway in Tacoma. Donations are accepted Monday through Thursday 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. To learn more about becoming a recipient of the Holiday Giving Program, call YWCA at 253-272-4181, ext. 264.

Community Big Give

Community Big Give is helping drive the Toys for Tots program in Bonney Lake. This program benefits children in the Bonney Lake School District. To donate to this cause, call Community Big Give at 253-987-6778. To learn more about the charitable contributions of Toys for Tots, visit their website.