Next 50 is offering community members a variety of opportunities to work together to improve people’s lives locally and globally. Seattle Takes Care (STC), organized by Seattle Center Foundation in partnership with several area service organizations, offers seven Seattle Takes Care projects over the six-month Next 50 celebration. Here are the opportunities:
Help build the Habitat for Humanity House of the Immediate Future, various times, through Oct 21, Next 50 Plaza (located between Seattle Center Armory/Center House and EMP Museum). The Habitat House uses sustainable building practices, technological innovation and civic commitment to create future communities.
Ballard Food Bank Drive: bring by non-perishable food items for distribution to elderly and disabled clients and several shelters in the greater Seattle area, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., May 12, at Seattle Center entry gates at 2nd Avenue North and Thomas Street, Harrison Street off of 5th Avenue North and at the walkway entry off of Mercer Street between Intiman Playhouse and the Exhibition Fall at Seattle Center.
Page Ahead Book Drive: drop off new books appropriate for ages K – 12 to help Page Ahead serve children whose families are struggling to make ends meet. For a child living in poverty, having a new book to read is not only a wonderful gift, but a powerful motivator. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Jun 9, in the Activity Tent of Next 50 Plaza.
Medical Teams International – Health Kits for the Homeless: bring in requested items and help pack up kits to distribute to homeless shelters in our area. 12 p.m. – 3p.m., Jul 21, Activity Tent, Next 50 Plaza.
World Vision – Promise Packs and School Tools Kits: help assemble special backpacks filled with school supplies and basic personal hygiene items that go to help children in south King County public schools and developing countries. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Aug 3, Activity Tent, Next 50 Plaza.
Union Gospel Mission Sock & Pants Drive: bring in new socks and new or gently used pants for distribution through the Mission’s Search and Rescue van and other programs. The donations will help Union Gospel Mission to beat its 2011 record of distributing 32,123 pairs of socks. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sep 8 (also date of the Next 50 Big Birthday Bash), Seattle Center Armory/Center House.
Operation Homefront of Washington Baby Shower for 150 to 200 military families: contribute gift cards for food and baby items, new and gently used baby items, and financial donations to possibly the largest baby shower ever. 12 p.m. – 3 p.m., Oct 14, Fisher Pavilion.
Participating in Seattle Takes Care is a great way for groups, families and individuals to make a tangible difference in the lives of many – near and far. For more information, and to sign up for one or more of the monthly events, visit www.thenextfifty.org/seattle-takes-care/Seattle. For more information on The Next Fifty and Seattle Center, visit www.seattlecenter.com or call 206 684-7200.
