Do you sometimes wish you could do more to make the world a better place? You can. The Create a Better World (CBW) team creates opportunities for people like you who want to build community and make a difference in the lives of others. By guiding and supporting people to take action in the world, we are channels of God’s Love, Grace, and Power as we help transform ideas into reality through mindful service. Through CBW, we have contributed to projects and organizations such as St Francis House, local Food Banks, Rebuilding Together, Habitat for Humanity, and the Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI)—to name a few.

How to Get Involved:

You are invited to participate in one of our seasonal upcoming service opportunities listed below. If you are searching for another way to volunteer your time and energy or get more involved with the Create a Better World Team, we can match you to your specific interest or help you organize and lead your own effort. Contact Cathy Lindsay to start the conversation. You can also support CBW year-round using the donate button above and putting “CBW” in the Donor Note/Comment field.

Support CBW with company matching funds! Some employers offer company matching for donations. All company matching funds to CSL Seattle go directly to support Create a Better World programs. Ask your employer if about matching funds!

Create a Better World – Spring into Service

Spring is the perfect time to get involved and make a difference!

Join us for our annual Spring into Service gatherings and discover meaningful ways to serve in the months ahead.

Upcoming Service Opportunities

Mother & Baby Spring Donations Drive

Organizers: Laurel T. & Marilyn
Collection Dates: April 5, 12, 19

NOTE: There are no Blessings bags this Spring. We’ll be delivering items in bulk to the following recipients: Mary’s Place families; Birthday Dreams children; and The More We Love organization.

Donations can be dropped off at CSL on April 5, 12, 19.

Requested Donations (Eco-Friendly Preferred)

• Diapers (size 5, 6, 7); Pull-ups (size 4T & 5T);
• Diaper wipes and creams;
• Pacifiers, bottles, teething rings, and bibs;
• NEW underwear and socks (all sizes);
• NEW learning toys and stuffed animals (for ages 1-4 years);
• School supplies (including lunch boxes & backpacks);
• Mommy Bulk toiletries: chapstick, body wash, deodorant, hair ties, razors/shaving cream.
• Cash donations are also gratefully accepted!

Want to contribute more? Preassemble a full diaper bag with a selection of these items and donate it complete!

Rebuilding Together

Project Lead: Jack Breese

CSL Volunteer Coordinators: Sue Soller & Tim Brincefield
Save the Date: Saturday, May 2,2026| 8;30 AM – 4 PM (half day shifts available)
Prep Day: TBD if needed

# of Volunteers: 25-30

Join CSL’s 30^th Annual Rebuilding Together Volunteer project team doing repairs, maintenance, decluttering and yardwork to help low-income senior Helen Ellis more safely and comfortably remain in her South Central Seattle home.  Help is also needed to make lunch for volunteers.

Experience is welcome but not necessary, all that’s needed is a willingness to help.  Volunteers must be at least 14 years old; those between 14 and 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Volunteer Opportunity – Edmunds Food Bank

Stamp out Hunger Food Drive in Honor or Deb Peters

Save the Date: Saturday May 9  | 3 – 6PM

Lead: Tim Brincefield
More details soon.

Earth Day Events

Love Mother Earth: Recycle Drop-Off

Save the Date: Sundays, May 31 & June 7 | 9 AM – 12:30 PM
Celebrate Earth Day by Giving Back to the Planet!

Over the past year, you’ve probably done a lot of online shopping – meaning you’ve collected plenty of packing materials. Maybe you’ve also taken time to declutter and now have old electronics you need to get rid of.

Disposing of these items responsibly can be tricky, but we’re here to help! Drop them off, and we’ll ensure they’re properly recycled.

What You Can Bring:

✅ Styrofoam  – Clean, white blocks used for packaging electronics, appliances, and furniture. Also, clean, dry take-out containers marked #6 or EPS (must break and snap with loose beads). Remove tape and labels. More details at www.styrorecycle.com.

✅ Plastic Wrap & Bubble Wrap – Including packing peanuts.

✅ Electronics – Working or not, whole or in parts:

• Scrap metal (ferrous and non-ferrous)
• Large appliances: washers, dryers, water heaters, water coolers
• Small appliances: blenders, toasters, coffee makers, metal cookware
• Computers & Accessories: desktops, laptops, monitors (no CRTs), servers, scanners, printers, circuit boards, cartridges, motherboards
• Home entertainment: radios, speakers, CD/DVD discs, stereo equipment, VCR/DVD players, answering machines
• Communication devices: cell phones, chargers, remote controls, fax machines, scanners, typewriters

For a full list and more details, visit www.1greenplanet.org.

Join us in celebrating Earth Day by making a difference!

Seattle’s Adopt-A-Street

The Seattle Adopt-A-Street program is an easy and impactful way for individuals, families, and community groups to contribute to a cleaner environment. LINK HERE to learn how you can get involved:

Steps to Participate in the Adopt-A-Street Program:

1. Choose a Street – Select a street or area you want to keep clean.
2. Request Supplies – The city provides free cleanup materials, including litter grabbers, safety vests, gloves, and bags.
3. Schedule Your Cleanup – Pick any date and time that works for you.
4. Collect Litter – Remove trash and debris to beautify the street.
5. Report & Arrange Pickup – Contact the city to collect the waste you gathered.

Benefits of Participating:

• Helps keep Seattle clean and beautiful.
• Prevents litter from entering storm drains and waterways.
• Provides a great way to engage with neighbors and build community.
• Encourages environmental responsibility.

Would you be interested in organizing a group cleanup event? It could be a great way to get more people involved!

CSL Community Garage Sale in support of the Seabeck Adult Scholarship Fund

Our CSL community is joining the greater PhinneyWood neighborhood, aided by a mobile map! It’s an area wide annual Garage Sale Day with multiple locations. Come support CSL and enjoy the Day!

Save the Date: Saturday, May 16, 9am to 1pm
Where: CSL Campus lower parking lot

Volunteers and Donations will be welcomed. Donation details will be forthcoming. Stay tuned.

Shred Day – take your important documents for shredding

City of Seattle

• Saturday, April 18, 9 am – 1 pm at Phinney Community CenterLower parking lot  6532 Phinney Ave N, 98103
• Saturday, May 30th, 9am – 1pm at St Joseph Parish  732 18th Ave E, 98112
• Saturday, August 22nd, 9am – 1pm at Maple Leaf Lutheran Church  10005 32nd Ave NE, 98125
• Saturday, September 12th , 9am – 1pm at Wood Technology Center  2310 S Lane St, 98144
• Saturday, October 17, 10 am – 1 pm at Rainier Community Center
  Community Center parking lot  4600 38th Ave. S, 98118 

Accepted items:

• Foam blocks (polystyrene only)
• Household batteries (Both ends must be taped with clear packing tape. No damaged/corroded batteries allowed)
• Florescent tubes and bulbs (no broken bulbs, limit: 4 ft.)
• Small, empty propane camping canisters
• Small electronics (TVs, computers, etc.)
• Small appliances (non-freon)
• Paper for shredding
• Household textiles

Items not accepted:

• Commercial loads
• Furniture
• Garbage
• Yard waste
• Household recycling (items that go in your cart/dumpster)
• Hazardous waste
• Automotive waste
• Construction waste
• Non-recyclable or reusable items
• Car seats
• Mattresses

For general recycling and shredding services, visit Seattle Public Utilities.

LeMay’s Shred event calendar for the Puget Sound area through October     

• Shred Event-Lynnwood  April 11, 9-12pm
• City Of Lynnwood, WA | 20525 60th Avenue West Lynnwood, WA
• Shred Event-Renton  April 18^th 8-11am
• Weatherly Inn – Renton | 4550 Talbot Road Renton, WA
• Shred Event-Kent  April 18^th 10-1pm
• Weatherly Inn-Kent | 15101 SE 272nd Street Kent, WA
• Shred Event-Kirkland  May 2^nd 10-1pm
• Kirkland Financial | 1524 Market Street, Kirkland, WA 98033
• Shred Event-Edmonds  June 27 10-1pm
• McDonald McGarry | 630 Main Street, Edmonds, WA

Thank you for your support and participation in making a difference in our community!