Kari Haas’s Top 5 Places to Give on #GivingTuesday

Kari’s Top 5 Places to Give on #GivingTuesday

#GivingTuesday ushers in the charitable season, immediately following Thanksgiving and the popular shopping days of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. There are so many amazing organizations deserving donations on #GivingTuesday near and far. Here are my top 5 local organizations!

Bellevue Youth Theatre

Mission Statement: BYT’s mission is to provide opportunities in the performing arts for all young people, regardless of income or ability, and allow them to perform before a live audience. At the same time, the theater provides the community with quality productions, which are both entertaining and socially relevant for the entire family.I am proud to have been a board member and and to have helped raise funds to build the new Bellevue Youth Theatre at Crossroads Park many years ago. I am also proud to still be a strong supporter today. Click here to be part of Bellevue Youth Theatre’s mission this #GivingTuesday!

Camp Solomon Schechter

Mission Statement: Camp Solomon Schechter (CSS) has a 65-year tradition of fun, friendship, and Jewish education in the Pacific Northwest. CSS values each child as an individual and strives to support their social and spiritual growth. Campers have the opportunity to be independent in a safe and nurturing environment. CSS is a fully immersive, welcoming, and spiritual Jewish environment. CSS emphasizes the values of integrity, derech eretz (respect), and tikkun olam (repairing the world), all while fostering life-long friendships. At CSS, Judaism and Joy are truly one!Camp Solomon Schechter has been an integral part of my life and has helped shape the person I am today. I attended CSS as a camper and later worked there as a lifeguard. My children also attended (and one of them still attends!) CSS. Even my mother attended CSS! I am following my grandmother’s footsteps by being an active board member for CSS to ensure that future generations can benefit from this wonderful organization. I give to Camp Solomon Schechter on #GivingTuesday and every day! Join me by clicking here!

Eastside Winter Shelter for Women and Children

Mission Statement: To help families and women experiencing homelessness on the Eastside.

Helping our community’s population of people in need is a huge passion of mine. I’ve been working with the Eastside Winter Shelter for a number of years now and it is incredibly rewarding. Though #GivingTueday is generally about giving donations, what they really need is food, paper goods and your time. We are in our 5^th year sponsoring the paper goods drive and are still collecting! Call me at 206-719-2224 for more information or for a paper goods pick-up. Click here to get involved!

Hebrew Free Loan Association

Mission Statement: To aid worthy Jewish people to be and remain self-supporting and self-respecting persons by aid of loans, grants, and such services as the individual may require. Such loans, grants, and services shall be rendered without interest or other charge.I cannot overstate how important this organization is. I was the recipient of one of these loans many years ago as a struggling single mother. This organization was there when I was in need. It lifted me up so that I could help myself. Now I am incredibly privileged to help support this organization and therefore many people who need a little extra help. If you need help, contact HFLA today to apply for a loan! And if you are planning your #GivingTuesday donations, please include HFLA and click here!

Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center

Mission Statement: Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center is a community where horses transform the bodies, minds, and spirits of people with disabilities.Every year I volunteer at Little Bit with my office, Windermere Bellevue Commons. We’ve been doing this as a group for 17 years and I’m proud to support such a vital, caring and nurturing service to our community. It is a beautiful place filled with beautiful people doing incredibly meaningful work. Check it out today and give to Little Bit this #GivingTuesday by clicking here!