Where to Donate Food and Clothing This Bellingham Winter 2025

As the winter weather of February gets tougher in Bellingham, many of us look forward to the warmth of family gatherings and hearty Winter meals. However, it's essential to remember that numerous individuals in our community face challenges during this season. If you're looking to make a meaningful impact, consider donating food or clothing to local organizations dedicated to assisting those in need. Here's a guide to some of Bellingham's key charities and how you can contribute this Winter.

February 3, 2025

1. Bellingham Food Bank

Since 1972, the Bellingham Food Bank has been a cornerstone in combating hunger within Whatcom County. Currently, they serve approximately 5,000 household visits weekly through various programs, including a free grocery store, drive-through services, and home delivery.

• How to Donate: Non-perishable food items can be dropped off at their warehouse located at 1824 Ellis Street. Donations are accepted Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and on Fridays from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. If these times don’t fit your schedule, you can call 360.676.0392 x 1011 to arrange an appointment. Bellingham Food Bank

2. Lighthouse Mission Ministries

For a century, Lighthouse Mission Ministries has been a beacon of hope for Bellingham’s homeless population. This year marks their 100th annual Winter dinner, aiming to serve hundreds of individuals facing hunger and homelessness.

• How to Donate: The Mission welcomes both financial contributions and donations of food items to support their Winter event and ongoing services. Additionally, they are always seeking volunteers to assist with meal preparation, serving, and cleanup. The Lighthouse Mission

3. YWCA Bellingham

YWCA Bellingham is committed to empowering women and eliminating racism. They operate Y’s Buys Thrift Store, which provides clothing to women in need through a voucher system.

• How to Donate: The thrift store accepts donations of gently used women’s clothing. In addition to clothing, they are in need of essential items such as hair care products, new underwear, laundry pods, sheets, pillows, reading glasses, pens, markers, dish soap, and sponges. Essential products must be new when delivered directly to the YWCA. Cascadia Daily

4. Salvation Army Bellingham’s Food Bank

The Salvation Army in Bellingham operates a food bank to support individuals and families facing food insecurity.

• How to Donate: Non-perishable food items can be donated at their facility located at 1515 Birchwood Ave. The food bank operates on Mondays from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. for seniors (60+), and on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for the general public. The Salvation Army Bellingham

5. Birchwood Food Desert Fighters

This grassroots organization addresses food insecurity in the Birchwood neighborhood by setting up a free Share Spot every Saturday.

• How to Donate: Donations of extra food or supplies, as well as sturdy plastic and reusable grocery bags, can be dropped off between 11:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. at the employee parking lot of the Industrial Credit Union at 3223 Northwest Ave. Non-perishable food items are also needed at food share box locations throughout the neighborhood. Cascadia Daily

6. Friends of the Family Resource Center

The Family Resource Center provides essential personal care items like laundry soap, toothbrushes, and deodorant to students and families in need throughout the school year. Ensuring these shelves stay stocked helps students focus on learning without worrying about basic necessities.

Every donation goes directly toward purchasing these items, with weekly restocks to meet demand. The center maximizes contributions by seeking bulk discounts and donations, making every dollar count.

• How to Donate: Financial contributions are encouraged to help them reach their goal of $10,000. Donations can be made through their website. Cascadia Daily

7. World Relief Western Washington

This organization is seeking volunteers and donations to assist with refugee resettlement in Whatcom and Skagit counties, aiming to resettle 175 refugees by September 2024.

• How to Donate: Financial donations are welcome, and there are opportunities to volunteer as cultural companions or host home volunteers. More information is available on their website. Cascadia Daily

8. Ferndale Food Bank

Serving the Ferndale community, this food bank provides meals to the needy.

• How to Donate: Non-perishable food items and financial contributions are accepted at their location at 1671 Main Street in Ferndale. Whatcom Talk

This Winter, consider extending your gratitude by supporting these organizations. Your donations of food, clothing, or time can make a significant difference in the lives of those facing hardships in our community. Together, we can ensure that everyone in Bellingham has the opportunity to experience warmth, nourishment, and a sense of community this Winter season.

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