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!

 

Holiday Service Projects

Blessing Bags: November 2, 9, 16, and 23.

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 2, 9, 16, and 23.

Bag Assembly Event: 

• Date: Sunday, Nov 23^rd.

• 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 freezer zip-lock 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

Let’s come together to make a positive impact in our community!

 

Winter Coat Drive: November 16, 23, 30 & December 7

Leads: Valerie Tims & Marilyn Gregory
Collection Locations: Lobby and Fellowship Hall

Help keep our community warm this winter by donating new coats!
We are collecting new 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 16 – December 7.

Let’s work together to provide warmth and support for those in need this winter season!

 

Giving Tree: November 23 – December 14

Leads: Sherry Dawley & Gail Phillips
Support Elf: Tim Brincefield

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(Downtown Seattle), the Transitional Housing Center, and CSL families.

How to Donate:

• Facebook Fundraiser: Donate directly through our Facebook fundraiser.
• Phone Donations: Call the CSL office at 206-527-8801 ext. 5109 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 23 – December 14 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 7
Time: 1:15 – 3:45 PM
Location: Classroom A/Fellowship Hall
Lead: Kathi White

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

• Donations of additional pre-cut 2-yard increments of fleece fabric are also greatly appreciated! Donation Bins will be in the Fellowship Hall Nov 16 – Dec 7.

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 Kathi White at kathiseattle@earthlink.net or call (206) 679-1299.

Let’s spread warmth and care this winter season – hope to see you there!

Holiday Service opportunity

Work Party

Date: December 13
Time: 1PM – 3 PM

Location: Food Lifeline

Lead: Jeri Hudson

Food Lifeline work party 10 volunteers

 

Community Building Activity

Event: One Seattle Soul

Type: Fun concert Event

Location: The Moore Theater

Date/Time: Sunday Dec 14, 3PM

Admission:  FREE…bring a coat or a blanket to donate

Lady A, our guest artist from a recent Sunday in involved and we thought we’d suggest it to support such a wonderful initiative.  It aligns with our Center’s mission as well.   https://therhapsodyproject.org/