Create a Better World
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 about matching funds!
A Season of Service
Upcoming Service Opportunities
Create a Better World’s Season of Service Launch
Create a Better World's Season of Service Launch
Sundays, November 1, 8, and 15
The Season of Service is back and runs from November 1st – February 2026 with a variety of meaningful projects. Feeling inspired to contribute and make a positive impact? Want to participate in a fun service project with a wonderful group of people?
Come explore the Holiday Service projects organized by the Create a Better World Service Team. You can get more information and find the perfect opportunity to join the fun either on our website or by visiting our tables in the Lobby and Fellowship Hall on Sundays, November 1, 8, and 15.
Join us in making a difference this holiday season!
Holiday Service Projects
Keep Them Warm Clothing Drive: Nov 1 – Dec 6
*New and gently used men’s pants and socks to be donated to Facing Homelessness
AND We are collecting new and gently used adult-sized coats (hooded and rain-repellent coats are especially appreciated) to be gifted to local Homelessness Service providers.
How to Donate:
- Online: Purchase a coat online and have it sent directly to CSL’s Administrative Office at:
6301 Woodland Place N, Seattle, WA 98103 - In Person: Drop off your coat donations during services on Sundays at 9 AM or 11 AM, or at the office from Monday to Thursday, 10 AM – 4 PM, between November 15 – December 6.
Let’s work together to provide warmth and support for those in need this winter season!
Blessing Bags: November 1, 8, 15 and 22
Leads: Laurel Tomchick & Marilyn Gregory
Collection Locations: Lobby and Fellowship Hall
Join us in creating Blessing Bags for those in need!
We are collecting toiletries and comfort/hygiene items for the homeless. Donation bins will be available on Sundays: November 1, 8, 15, and 22.
Bag Assembly Event:
- Date: Sunday, Nov 22.
- Time: 12:30 – 2:30 PM
- Location: Classroom A / Fellowship Hall at CSL
These Blessing Bags will be distributed through Mary’s Place and by CSL members directly to those in need.
Suggested Donation Items:
- Travel-sized (unopened) shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, soap, lotion, deodorant, chapstick, tissues, wet wipes
- Band-aids, Neosporin, hand sanitizer, ear plugs, nail clippers
- Non-perishable foods: soft protein bars, tuna packets, individual oatmeal and soup/top-ramen packets, single serve fruit cups, juices, tea, cocoa
- Toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss (ask your dental office if they would like to donate)
- Compostable utensils, small flashlights
- New gloves, wool socks, beanies, hats, travel rain ponchos
- Hand-warmers, feet-warmers (Costco has great deals)
- Small packages of women’s hygiene items (tampons, liners, pads), hairbrushes, ties, combs
- Cosmetic bags/cloth bags, gallon-sized reusable cloth/shopping bags that we can fill
- Cash donations gladly accepted: quarters and small bills can be included in bags, larger donations will be distributed to organizations or used to purchase more supplies.
For more information, please contact Laurel Tomchick: TomchickL19@gmail.com
Giving Tree: November 22 – December 13
Leads: Sherry Dawley & Gail Phillips
Support Elf: Stacey Witt
We are thrilled to continue our tradition of the In-Person and Online Giving Tree! This year, you can choose to browse and fulfill requests either online or in person to bring joy to the women and children at the Broadview Shelter and Transitional Housing Center (Downtown Seattle) and CSL families.
How to Donate:
- Facebook Fundraiser: Donate directly through our Facebook fundraiser.
- Phone Donations: Call the CSL office at 206-527-8801 to make a donation over the phone.
- Donate onsite on Sundays with Cash, Check, Venmo and We’ll do the shopping for you!
- Visit the Giving Tree on Campus:
Come by each Sunday to see the Giving Tree on the CSL campus. Pick up a gift tag and return your purchased gifts in person. - Access the Online Giving Tree:
Visit our Online Giving Tree (link coming soon) between November 22 – December 13 to choose and send gifts for the women and children at Broadview Shelter and CSL families.
Note: The need is greater than ever, and we are committed to spreading joy to as many people as possible. We aim to fulfill every request, ensuring that this holiday season shines bright for those in need.
Thank you for your generosity and for making the holidays brighter for families, women, and children in our community!
Mindful gift cards
For Giving Tree gift card purchases, please buy them directly from the retailer at a cash register or customer service desk. Criminals are sophisticated and when you buy from a third party – like the display wall of gift cards at Safeway – they are susceptible to the numbers stolen and used without the purchaser knowing. This can unfortunately lead to a tough situation for a family with a full cart of groceries and an empty gift card. Please mark the dollar value on the card. Thank you.
Stay tuned for the Online Giving Tree link as the date approaches.
Let’s make this season a time of warmth, joy, and giving!
Scarf Making Event
Date: December 6
Time: 1:15 – 3:45 PM
Location: Classroom A / Fellowship Hall
Lead: Lindsey Streed
Join us for a fun and meaningful activity as we make warm, no-sew fleece scarves for those in need! This is a wonderful opportunity to come together and create warmth for our community.
What to Bring:
- Please purchase and bring with you 60” wide fleece with the same pattern on both sides pre-cut in 2-yard increments, as using our templates, each 2 yards will make 9 scarfs
- Note: This can be difficult to find on short notice, so we recommend shopping early
- Donations of additional pre-cut 2-yard increments of fleece fabricare also greatly appreciated! Donation Bins will be in the Fellowship Hall Nov 15 – Dec 6.
We will be organizing the delivery of these scarves; details on dates and recipients will be announced soon.
If you have any questions, please contact Lindsey Streed at lins266@gmail.com.
Let’s spread warmth and care this winter season – hope to see you there!
CBW Monthly Donations
Make a Difference in Our Community
Nominate your favorite local nonprofit to receive a $100 donation through Create a Better World’s monthly giving program.
Each month, CSL Seattle and Create a Better World donate $100 to three local nonprofits doing meaningful work in our community. Recipients are nominated by CSL members and congregants.
To submit a nomination, stop by the bulletin board in the Fellowship Hall for complete details and a nomination form. Place your completed form in the designated envelope. Please include:
- The organization’s name
- Website
- One sentence about why you love and support this nonprofit
Monthly nominations can be submitted to Sherry Dawley.
Together, we can help create a better world, one act of generosity at a time.
June 2026 Donations
This month, we are honored to support the following organizations:
GenPride Nominated by Rev. Jeri Hudson
Supporting the unique needs of older LGBTQIA+ adults through programs and services that foster well-being, connection, and belonging.
TransFamilies Nominated by Valerie Tims
Providing guidance, education, and community for parents of gender-diverse children as they support each child’s individual journey.
Lavender Rights Project Nominated by Valerie Tims
Advancing the power, autonomy, and leadership of Black intersex and gender-diverse people through legal advocacy and social services.
May 2026 Donations
Advocates for Immigrants in Detention Northwest (AIDNW) Nominated by Aimee Cruver
A compassionate volunteer-led organization serving immigrants in detention with dignity, care, and humanity.
Celebrating Roots Nominated by Amber Maurina
A Seattle organization connecting people to culture, heritage, and community.
April 2026 Donations
Orca Conservancy Nominated by Jennifer Bundy
A Washington State nonprofit dedicated to protecting Orcinus orca and the wild ecosystems they depend on.
Birds Connect Seattle Nominated by Jennifer Bundy
Focused on inspiring appreciation, understanding, and protection of birds through local and regional initiatives.
Puget Soundkeeper Alliance Nominated by Laurel Tomchick
Committed to protecting and restoring the waters of Puget Sound for thriving ecosystems and healthy communities.
March 2026 Donations
Nominated by Valerie Tims and CBW team
Alliance for International Women’s Rights
Based in Edmonds, their vision is of a time when women everywhere are afforded their full and equal human rights and of a time when women are able to rely on a worldwide alliance of women’s rights supporters to help protect these rights.
Coalition Ending Gender-Based Violence
Based in Seattle, this coalition of 40 diverse agencies and individuals work to end gender-based violence and promote equitable relationships through collective action for social change.
Sexual and reproductive health and well-being service, based on respect for each individual’s right to make informed, independent decisions about health, sex, and family planning. Recent political actions mean 1.1 million patients may be blocked from using Medicaid insurance for Planned Parenthood care.
February 2026 Donations
Empowering youth from low-income communities and communities of color in South King County for over two decades.
Leads innovative programs and foster community partnerships that center Black art, artists, and audiences while honoring the enduring legacy of Seattle’s Black Central Area.
Atlantic Street Center’s mission is to support families and communities with raising healthy, successful children and youth through direct services and advocacy for social justice and equity.