As nonprofits and community groups try to help fill massive gaps in services impacted by the Trump administration's sweeping budget-cutting efforts, it can feel like an insurmountable task knowing where to even start to help make a difference as an individual. But whether you're looking to volunteer, make a financial donation or attend a local event, there are a variety of ways to get involved in the Spokane area, including with these local organizations.
FOOD INSECURITY:
MEALS ON WHEELS
Meals on Wheels Spokane is a 100% privately funded local organization that provides nutritious meals to homebound seniors in the Spokane area. With the help of more than 500 volunteers, Meals on Wheels serves 600 meals daily, or almost 215,000 meals each year, according to the nonprofit's website.
Meals on Wheels accepts donations by phone (509-456-6597) or online at mowspokane.org. The team is always seeking volunteers, whether that be delivery drivers, cooks or food packers.
The nonprofit's next fundraiser on Friday, May 9, is its 10th annual "MOWtown Downtown" event. The event at Barrister Winery includes an auction, live music by Nu Jack City, appetizers, drinks and deserts. Tickets are $100 per person and include two free drink tokens, with all proceeds going to the organization.
A separate organization, Meals on Wheels Greater Spokane County, serves meals to seniors in outlying areas, preparing more than 900 meals a day. Learn more at mowgsc.org.
ENVIRONMENT:
SPOKANE RIVERKEEPER
The Spokane Riverkeeper is a nonprofit that advocates for the Spokane River, aiming to protect, preserve and restore the watershed for future generations. Its goal is to "envision a river where wild native fish thrive, pollution is eliminated, and the community is actively engaged in its protection."
To get involved, community members can volunteer at public or group river cleanups, help collect scientific data to monitor water quality or become a monthly donor to help sustain the Riverkeeper's efforts.
Spokane Riverkeeper is hosting an Earth Day River Cleanup on Saturday, April 19, at 10 am. The public is invited to participate in this family-friendly event at High Bridge Park to help remove trash from the riverbank. Sign up at spokaneriverkeeper.org. ♦
LGBTQ+:
SAN
SAN (formerly Spokane Aids Network) provides support and services for those living with and affected by HIV, as well as the greater LGBTQ+ community. SAN provides peer support, group support, a food pantry, emergency services and safe space events. Founded in 1985, "the core of our efforts is to provide support to people living with HIV and to bring our community together," as noted at sannw.org.
The best way to support SAN is through monetary donations at givebutter.com/sangives, however the nonprofit also accepts nonperishable items for its food pantry. SAN also needs volunteers to help run the front desk, food pantry and events. SAN's next big volunteer event takes place during Pride month, in June. Learn how to help via its social media and website.
HEALTH CARE:
CHAS
CHAS Health is a local, nonprofit federally qualified health center, which serves more than 120,000 patients in the Inland Northwest through more than two dozen locations offering health or dental care. CHAS provides health care to everyone, regardless of insurance status.
The best way to support the work of CHAS Health is through the CHAS Health Foundation, which aims to create health equity "by strategically investing in patients, partners, and communities." There are several specific funds that those looking to support CHAS can direct their donation to, which are listed at chas.org/about-chas/chas-foundation.
LITERACY:
SPOKANE PUBLIC LIBRARY
The Spokane Public Library system provides the community with free access to tons of resources: books, movies, music, events, printing, computers, meeting rooms, cultural and educational opportunities, outdoors equipment, and more.
To do so, the library is always seeking support via two charitable entities that support its initiatives and resources. The Friends of the Spokane Public Library (spokanelibrary.org/friends) accepts donations of lightly used books to sell via its annual Friends of the Library Book Sale, coming up next April 24-26 at the Shadle Park Library.
When community members buy materials from Friends of the Library, which also runs a used book store at downtown's Central Library, they're helping maintain library programs and supplies. Monetary donations can also be given to the Spokane Public Library Foundation at www.spokanelibraryfoundation.org.
TRIBES:
THE NATIVE PROJECT
Initially started as an organization dedicated to serving Native American youth of Spokane, the NATIVE Project is a local health care organization that provides services to at-risk people of all ages in the Spokane community.
The NATIVE Project's mission is to "provide quality services that promote wellness and balance of mind, body, and spirit for individuals, staff, families, and communities. Focusing on 'Sacred Hospitality,' we provide services for all people who are seeking medical, dental, behavioral health, or wellness and prevention services."
Donate at nativeproject.org/about-us/donate to help fund services for those seeking medical, dental, behavioral health, or wellness and prevention services.
