At Opportunity Council, we believe in the transformative power of community to make sure everyone in Northwest Washington has what they need to thrive and contribute. Nowhere is the power of community more visible than in the generosity shown by our community during events like Dine Out for Maple Alley Inn and through community giving campaigns made possible by partners like Whidbey Community Foundation, Goosefoot Community Fund, Haggen & Fred Meyer.
Community Action Made Possible by Community Support and Community Giving
Like all Community Action Agencies, Opportunity Council has always served as an on-the-ground agency, striving to make sure everyone has access to the resources and support needed to thrive and contribute to their community. Since our founding in 1965, Opportunity Council has been led and supported by members of the community, whether through our tripartite board, the time and talent of committed volunteers, or by the individuals and organizations who provide the support that makes it possible for us to help people right when they need it most. This collective effort takes many forms including through Community Giving opportunities—unique partnerships with businesses and organizations that make it quick and easy for people to help people in need just by going through their normal day-to-day tasks.
Community Giving Programs can take many forms—from the Fred Meyer Community Rewards program that allows you to support people in need by linking your rewards card to Opportunity Council, to “Round Up at the Register” style fundraisers like the Whidbey Island Essential Needs Campaign.
Haggen Fundraiser: Inspiring Change Together
This summer, we’re honored to have been selected by the employees of three Bellingham Haggen locations to participate in the Inspiring Change Together campaign happening from June 26th to August 6th.
The goal of the Inspiring Change Together campaign is to ensure every member of our community has access to what they need for a healthy, inclusive life. Working to make sure everyone living in our communities has access to the basic building blocks of well-being is at the core of so much of Opportunity County’s work. This work is particularly exemplified by programs like Maple Alley Inn—a program dedicated to making sure everyone has access to a hot meal, companionship, and basic nutrition.
To be part of the campaign, shop at the Sehome, Fairhaven, or Barkley Village location and donate at checkout between June 26th and August 6th. In August, the funds raised will be distributed amongst Opportunity Council and other members of the nonprofit sector who work to support people throughout our communities.
Essential Needs Campaign: Addressing Critical Gaps
The Essential Needs Fund, a collaboration with the Goosefoot Community Fund and the Whidbey Community Foundation, helps people overcome unique, temporary financial hardships that can make the difference between financial stability and falling into poverty. Funds raised during the annual Essential Needs campaign mean we can help with simple yet important costs like security deposits, minor home repairs, and even funeral costs.
To support the Essential Needs Fund on Whidbey Island, simply shop at the Goose Community Grocer in Langley and round up your purchase to the nearest dollar when you check out.
Our goal this year is to pool all those individual rounded– up donations to raise at least $100,000 for people in need across Whidbey Island. We’re well on our way, having raised 58% of our goal by the end of May, but we still need your help to get there.
Habitat for Humanity Donation Bank: Choosing Your Funds’ Path
Habitat for Humanity has set an account for anyone to donate items to if they want their funds to benefit Opportunity Council clients. You’ll need to verbally say or write on a donation slip, “I want these items donated toward Opportunity Council” – otherwise, Habitat for Humanity won’t know who to assign the donation amounts to. People can drop items directly to Habitat or ask them to send a truck out to pick up items.
Habitat will assess pricing for each item donated, and 65% of the determined sale price will be slated for Opportunity Council to use. From there, when someone is getting placed in an Opportunity Council housing location
Embracing Community Generosity: The Fred Meyer Community Rewards Program
Fred Meyer, part of the Kroger Family of Companies, also stands out as an example of an organization that’s committed to supporting local programs and services. Through the Fred Meyer Community Rewards program, Fred Meyer harnesses the power of everyday shopping to benefit our communities,
By linking their Shopper’s Card to a participating organization, shoppers can channel funds from every purchase they make at Fred Meyer to their chosen cause – at no added cost to the shopper. People can donate to the causes that matter the most to them, like the ones in their own communities.
All you need to do is create a digital account, link your Shopper’s Card to an organization of your choice, and keep on shopping. Fred Meyer donates to your organization of choice based on what percentage of total Community Rewards spending comes from you.
Building a Stronger Community Together
Community Giving Programs are a potent tool in harnessing the power of community. Through these giving programs, people across Northwest Washington can come together to help people in need. We continue to rely on the compassion and commitment of our community members. However you choose to help people in need, every contribution — big or small — plays a vital role in creating a more compassionate and equitable community.
