Festival of Trees
The Skagit Regional Health Foundation hosts this annual festival that goes to support their life-saving medical programs. Families can attend Santa breakfasts, grown-ups can dress to the nines to attend the Gala and Auction, and you can bid on their decorated mini-trees in Downtown Mount Vernon. St. Joseph Center, 215 N. 15th St., Mount Vernon, skagitregionalhealth.org/foundation
Holiday Giving Store
Now in its 20th year, Ferndale’s Holiday Giving Store is set up so that qualifying families can shop for gifts for their kids, but no money is exchanged! There are both donation and volunteer opportunities here, so you can give back however best works for you. Ferndale, 360.380.2200, ferndalecs.org
Jingle Bell Run
If you want to get active and give back at the same time, find your local Jingle Bell Run! These annual events support the Arthritis Foundation, and are festive 5K runs for anyone who’d like to participate. There are runs in both Whatcom and Skagit counties! Multiple locations, info.arthritis.org
Giving Tree
Village Books’ Giving Tree program, which happens now in both Lynden and Fairhaven, distributes hundreds of books to kids through various organizations. Walk into Village Books, take an angel off the tree, and purchase books at a 20% discount that go to local kids. Multiple locations, villagebooks.com
Volunteering with the Whatcom Opportunity Council
There are year-round chances to help out with the Whatcom Opportunity Council! Volunteer at Maple Alley Inn to help provide hot meals made with fresh ingredients to all community members. With their Volunteer Chore Program, you can help clients with chores like dog walking or grocery shopping. Find more online! 800.649.5121, oppco.org
