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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 if about matching funds!

A Season of Service

Upcoming Service Opportunities

Create a Better World Spring into Service

Join us for our annual “Create a Better Spring into Service” event! We will feature activity presentations and sign-up opportunities for upcoming service projects.

Dates: March 23 & 30

Upcoming Service Opportunities

Baby Blessing Bag/Baskets Donation Drive

Collection Dates: March 23 & 30
Assembly Date: April 6 | 1 – 3PM

We’re collecting essential baby care items to support families in need through Mary’s Place and WestSide Baby.

Donations can be dropped off at CSL on March 23, 30, and April 6. On April 6, a volunteer team will assemble baskets for distribution.

Requested Donations (Eco-Friendly Preferred)

  • Diaper bags, reusable totes, hand-sewn bags
  • Diapers (sizes 5 & 6) and pull-ups (sizes 4T & 5T)
  • Wipes, diaper cream
  • Baby blankets, swaddling cloths, changing pads
  • Baby shampoo, lotion, infant hygiene kits
  • Pacifiers, bottles, teething cold packs
  • Bibs, socks, bows

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

 

Clothing Donation Collection

Dates:  April 13, 20 27
We’re gathering essential clothing items to support the unhoused community served by Facing Homelessness.

Needed Items:

  • Men’s & women’s new underwear
  • Men’s pants (new or gently used)

Drop-off Location: Fellowship Hall (Look for the collection bin!)

Your generosity makes a meaningful difference. Thank you!

Volunteer to Help!

Seattle’s Facing Homelessness (where we donate a lot of our clothing etc)hosts Window of Kindness pop-up events, providing clothing, supplies, food, smiles, conversation and compassionate connection.

Volunteers help distribute items, share conversation, and spread kindness.

How to Help:

  • Sign up for volunteer emails here. We’ll pass this list along to the organizers on your behalf.
  • Volunteer at distribution events

A little kindness and your helping hand make a big impact!

CSL Seattle Campus Garden Party

Saturday April 12 | 9 AM – 1 PM
Let’s come together for a landscape makeover and clean-up event! Help us beautify our CSL Seattle campus while enjoying time with our community.

Rebuilding and Refreshing Together


The annual Rebuilding Together event is back! Join us in supporting our local community through essential home repairs and beautification projects.

Earth Day Events

Love Mother Earth: Recycle Drop-Off

Sundays, May 11 & 18 | 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!

 

Earth Day Neighborhood Clean-Up Challenge

Clean up the planet one neighborhood at a time!

Save the Dates:

  • Saturday, May 10 – Self-directed in honor of Love Mother Earth Day
  • Saturday, April 26 – Self-directed in honor of Earth Day
  • Saturday, April 19 – Group clean-up at Olympic National Park

Come together to keep our planet clean! Do what you can in your area. Invite your Sangha or friends and family to clean up your block or your park and share your efforts on social media.

 

Shred Day – Shred Your Important Documents

Save the Date: May 17
Location: Phinney
More details coming soon! For general recycling and shredding services, visit Seattle Public Utilities.
https://www.seattle.gov/utilities/your-services/collection-and-disposal/recycling/beyond-the-cart

LeMay’s Shred event calendar for the Puget Sound area through Oct.
https://shredevents.lemaymobileshredding.com/

Shred event at Delridge Community Center – 4501 Delridge Way SW 98106

April 19th 10:30 – 1:30  $10 for 2 standard size garbage bags

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

https://www.seattle.gov/utilities/volunteer/adopt-a-street

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.

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

 

 

CBW Monthly Donations

CSL Seattle and Create a Better World supports charitable organizations to do their good work in the world by donating $100 to three local nonprofits every month. Recipients are nominated by CSL members and congregants. Monthly nominations can be submitted to Sherry Dawley and should include organization name, web site, and one sentence why you love this nonprofit. Let’s help others who need our support!

 

March 2024 CBW Donations

Reach  Nominated by Marilyn Gregory

A program of Evergreen Treatment Services, their services include a number of Housing Access and Support programs to help people transition into and maintain housing through case management, access to housing, landlord advocacy and more.

Facing Homelessness  Nominated by the CBW Team

Facing Homelessness works to bring connections to and show the dignity and beauty of those facing homeless through storytelling, podcast, Window of Kindness, and their Circle of support for persons who are struggling.

Westside Neighbors Shelter  Nominated by the CBW Team

Provides overnight dinner and shelter to 36 people nightly year-round and a Warm Up Center and breakfast every morning for those who have slept outside.

 

 

February 2025 CBW Donations

Speak with Purpose – Nominated by Andrea Weatherhead
Mission: Empowering youth to boldly speak their truth through public speaking.
Vision: Every voice—once silent in the back of the classroom—rising to lead at the front!

Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle – Nominated by Laurel Tomchick
Mission: Empowering Black and other historically underserved communities to thrive for generations through social and economic justice.

Northwest African American Museum (NAAM) – Nominated by Marilyn Gregory
Mission: Using Black heritage to cultivate healing and hope while spreading knowledge, arts, and culture for the enrichment of all.
Thank you for being a part of this movement for good! Your nominations and generosity help create real impact.

January 2025 CBW Donations

Hunger Invention Project   Nominated by: Andi Foster
The mission of the Hunger Intervention Program (HIP) is to increase food security for underserved populations in North King County through nutritious meals, educational programs, and advocacy.

Peace Trees Vietnam   Nominated by: Betty Gibelyou
The war in Vietnam has been over for 50 years but the land is still riddled with explosive remnants of war. This Seattle-based 501c3 organization clears such remnants and returns acreage to the people to safely farm, build schools, and expand towns.

Westside Neighbors Shelter   Nominated by: Valerie Tims
Westside Neighbors Shelter is the only privately owned and volunteer-operated cold-weather overnight shelter for adults in West Seattle, White Center, and South Park. They welcome all adults, regardless of gender or veteran status. With a capacity of just 30, the need for financial support is immense.

Nov 2024 CBW Donations

Meals on Wheels  from Laurel Tomchick
As a Meals on Wheels Volunteer, you will belong to a team committed to helping seniors who are homebound maintain their health and independence with nutritious food, personal contact, and caring service.

TO DONATE: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/F2Vg-g?vid=198n60

White Center Food Bank  from Marjorie McKinney
Current programs include daytime, and seniors-only food distributions; expanded home deliveries; Mobile Food Bank Program for seniors and disabled clients; a Baby Pantry for diapers, formula, baby foods and more; Cultural foods buying program, and grocery rescue. Intake services are provided in nine languages, English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Arabic, Cantonese, Mandarin, Khmer/Cambodian, Shanghainese and Chaozhou.

TO DONATE: https://whitecenterfoodbank.networkforgood.com/

YouthCare’s Orion Center  from Dom Yuriar
The Orion Center serves as a safe and welcoming place for young people ages 12-24 throughout the day who are run aways or homeless. They serve warm breakfast, lunch and dinners to kids on the street.

TO DONATE: https://youthcare.org/donate/

October 2024 CBW Donations

Seattle Veterinary Outreach    Nominated by Sherry Dawley and Marilyn Gregory
They provide vet services to pets of underserved communities which can mean the difference for owners to keep their pet or give them up.

Homeward Pet in Woodinville    Nominated by Diana Sergi Khoury
I nominate Homeward Pet in Woodinville. They are a no-kill shelter for dogs and cats. They also facilitate a pet food bank program, as well as rehoming of animals whose parents are moving or can’t keep them anymore.

Pasado’s Safe Haven    Nominated by CBW
We focus on the most vulnerable animals among us – victims of cruelty and neglect, animals living with families lacking access to critical services, and those whose very survival depends upon social and/or legislative change.

 

September 2024 CBW Donations

InvestED

They provide funding to middle & high schools which teachers can access to help students privately with needs, such as clothing, ASB cards, instrument rental, college application fees.

The Big-Brained Superheroes Club

Mission: On a mission to tap into the hidden strengths that all young people have through Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM), The Big-Brained Superheroes Club (The BBSC) at Yesler Community Center is, at its core, about community coming together to create.

Seattle Music Teachers Association

SMTA conducts programs and activities to facilitate the education of music teachers, support and promote the awareness of the value of music education for all individuals and build a vital musical culture within the community.

 

August 2024 CBW Donations

ACLU of Washington  Nominated by Marilyn Gregory
https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/voting-rights

Learn more about how to exercise your voting rights, resist voter intimidation efforts, and access disability-related accommodations and language assistance at the polls.

League of Women Voters of King County  Nominated by Sherry Dawley
https://www.lwv.org/local-leagues/lwv-seattle-king-county

Besides coordinating dozens of candidate forums during election season, this non-partisan advocacy group offers a wealth of resources to learn about voting issues being an informed electorate.

League of Women Voters of Snohomish County  Nominated by Sherry Dawley
https://www.lwvsnoho.org

This non-partisan advocacy group works on the issues of voter access and voter suppression, and hosts dozens of local candidate forums.

Washington Conservation Action  Nominated by Kim Ducote
https://waconservationaction.org/

My #1 go to for environmental issues & what candidates are supporting the environment etc. No planet, no people.

Extra donation this month:
Donation in support of Habitat for Humanity Seattle’s 2024 Interfaith Build – Along with our financial contribution, CSL Seattle will also have a Team of helpful builders participating in this Interfaith Build project this September.

 

July 2024 CBW Donations

Helen’s Place Nominated by Betty Gibelyou

Operates 24/7/365 with sleeping, shower, laundry, meals, case mgmt, support services including mental health services. They were started by the same folks that started The Sophia Way in Bellevue, but operate in Kirkland. They are a 501(C)3.

YWCA of Seattle | King | Snohomish County Nominated by Lynn Widell Perry

YWCA is on a mission to eliminate racism and empower women. A healthy community transformed by racial and gender equity, where women and girls of color have equal access to opportunity, and there is social justice for all people. There list of services is too long to list: housing, jobs, health promotion, etc., plus advocacy and eliminating racism.

Jubilee Women’s Center Nominated by Marilyn Gregory

Dedicated to serving women between the ages of 18-25 experiencing homelessness or at risk for homelessness, domestic violence victims, reentering society after incarceration, inpatient treatment graduates, or living in unsuitable environment.

 

June 2024 CBW Donations

Lambert House  Nominated by Marilyn Gregory

Lambert House empowers lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth through the development of leadership, social, and life skills.

Gender Justice League    Nominated by Jennifer Citrine

Gender Justice League (GJL) is a civil & human rights organization that focuses on elevating the rights of TwoSpirit, Trans, & Gender Diverse (2STGD) communities in Washington State & beyond through advocacy efforts, direct services, shared leadership development, and the creation of sacred Trans spaces like Trans Pride Seattle. Member Sandy Tomlin’s son works here.

GenPride    Nominated by Jennifer Citrine

GenPride and Community Roots Housing are building Seattle’s first affordable housing project designed to be an affirming environment for LGBTQIA+ seniors.

 

May 2024 CBW Donations

C.A.R.E.S. of Burien & Des Moines  Nominated by Kim Ducote

CARES of Burien & Des Moines is a small but mighty animal shelter in Burien. So many pets need help, and so many animal shelters are overwhelmed. “Perhaps” in part due to the pandemic pet adoption craze.

Sammamish Animal Sanctuary  Nominated by Laurel Tomchick

Sammamish Animal Sanctuary is a 501c3 nonprofit that provides forever homes for abused, neglected, unwanted, and/or homeless barnyard animals. We do not breed, sell, or buy housed animals.

Doney Coe Pet Clinic   Nominated by Marilyn Gregory

For 35 years, the clinic’s mission has been to serve the community with respect for the human/animal bond. They provide equal access to quality veterinary care for animals who otherwise will not receive medical care. The pet clinic is located on Airport Way S. and Queen Anne.

April 2024 CBW Donations

Birds Connect (formerly Seattle Audubon) Nominated by Jennifer Bundy

birdsconnectsea.org

Birds Connect Seattle puts our mission into action through both urban and regional initiatives, designed to inspire appreciation, understanding, and protection of birds within and beyond our local community. I support them because their work enhances our urban environment, making it more livable for birds and people.

Puget SoundKeeper Alliance Nominated by Laurel Tomchick

pugetsoundkeeper.org

They work to preserve and protect our critical waterways and wildlife – directly on the water and through legislative action.

Climate Solutions  Nominated by Mary Lou Dickerson

climatesolutions.org

Our vision: a thriving, equitable Northwest, powered by clean energy, inspiring the transition to sustainable prosperity across the nation and beyond.

 

 

March 2024 Donations

Technology Access Foundation

Nominated by Andrea Weatherhead
TAF Mission: We build collaborative relationships with public education to create access to transformative systems of learning for students and teachers of color to eliminate race-based disparities in an increasingly diverse society.

Women Empowered (Y-WE)

Nominated by Dominic Yuriar
Young Women Empowered (Y-WE) cultivates the power of diverse young women* to be creative leaders and courageous changemakers through transformative programs within a collaborative community of belonging. We envision a society rooted in social justice where all young women* live their truth, achieve their dreams, and change our world.

Youth Speaks Seattle

Nominated by Rose Palmer
(YSS) is a youth-serving poetry collective with a focus on making programs accessible to Queer / BIPOC youth, or anyone who finds their story pushed into the margins. We use creative writing and performance arts to develop identity, build community, and celebrate each other’s stories out loud.

 

February 2024 Donations

  • Rainier Valley Food Bank

    Nominated by Marilyn Gregory
    The primary emergency food resource for Seattle’s most racially, ethnically, and economically diverse neighborhood and home to many people of color, immigrants, and refugees who regularly face systemic obstacles to living wage employment, affordable housing, and food security.  DONATE

 

  • Food Bank at St. Mary’s

    Nominated by Sherry Dawley
    Located in the Central District, we serve over 171,000 clients each year through a diverse mix of services that includes walk-in, home delivery, no-cook bags, hungry children, and mobile food bank.  DONATE

 

  • Meals on Wheels

    Nominated by Sherry Dawley
    There are many circumstances that can make shopping or preparing food difficult for older adults. That’s where Meals on Wheels steps in, offering relief to older adults and caregivers by delivering reliable, nutritious meals on a weekly basis.  DONATE

 

 

January 2024 Donations

YouthCare opened the Orion Center in 1984. At the time, it was one of the first programs in the nation to receive a federal grant enabling six agencies working with runaway and homeless youth to co-locate in one building. These multiple partners created a constellation of services—thus, the name Orion. Located on the corner of Denny and Stewart, the Orion Center serves as a safe and welcoming place for young people ages 12-24 throughout the day.

 

Friends of Youth serves King County with a focus on the Eastside. Their list of provided services is long, but their housing program includes the operation of two shelters, The Landing and Youth Haven. They also have Supportive Housing and Rapid Rehousing programs.

 

Angeline’s Day Center provides safety and support to women experiencing homelessness. More than 200 women each day access Angeline’s drop-in services, which include meals, laundry, showers, lockers, and connections to community resources.

 

October 2023 Donations

  • Feral Care Sanctuary / Bothell
    Nominated by Vicky Draper
    This organization fulfills a critical need for these animals, seen as neither domestic animals nor wildlife. They rescue, rehabilitate, and provide a forever-home for feral, abandoned, and otherwise unadoptable cats.
  • Homeward Pet Adoption Center 
    Nominated by Carmin Dalziel
    Homeward Pet’s mission is to transform the lives of cats and dogs in need through compassionate medical care, positive behavior training, and successful adoption while building a more humane community.
  • Pawsitive Alliance
    Nominated by Marilyn Gregory
    Pawsitive Alliance works across Washington to help homeless cats and dogs find loving homes, and prevent pets from becoming homeless. Our programs focus on increasing shelter adoptions, spay/neuter surgeries, and keeping pets in homes.