Ways to Give Back to our Grays Harbor Community

Most people have closets with clothing they no longer wear or clothes their children have recently outgrown. There are several places around Grays Harbor such as the Salvation Army, the Goodwill, or a local clothing bank or other thrift shop to drop off those gently worn or used items. Everything from clothing and furniture to books and housewares are needed and appreciated.

There will always be a need to help the dogs and cats of Grays Harbor. Whether someone is looking to adopt a pet or volunteer to walk dogs or spend time helping care for the animals, a helping hand is always welcome. PAWS of Grays Harbor with locations in Aberdeen and North Beach or Harbor Rescue will have you in the good company of furry friends in no time.

Volunteering at a museum is a great way to learn about local history and also give back to your community. Check out Grays Harbor local museums including Westport Maritime Museum and Lighthouse in Westport or Polson Museum in Hoquiam to see where they could use some help.

This is a constant need to be fulfilled in Grays Harbor, with many places needing more items and donations than what they currently have stocked. Check out the map below for locations of local food banks. Click here to find information on food banks on the Coastal Harvest website.

Local schools can always use some help in the form of volunteers. Or, you can see if they need donations, including books and school supplies for students in need. Contact the school districts around the area to see where there are gaps that need to be filled.

Volunteering at an assisted living facility is such a heartwarming way to help others. Whether you’re into reading aloud, singing, or just hanging around for a chat, there a lot ways to help out. The Karr House in Hoquiam or Montesano Health and Rehabilitation Center are a couple of places to volunteer and give back to the older generations.

Most everyone knows someone who has been in the military. Seeking out ways to help your local veterans (or maybe ways to reach out to local troops overseas) is a needed and honorable way to give back to those that have served our country. Call up your local VFW post to see how you can help.

Heart & Hands Pregnancy Center in Hoquiam is a nonprofit organization that focuses on helping those with pregnancy related needs. They can always use volunteers as well as donations for items ranging from formula and diapers to maternity and baby furniture. Connections: A Center For Healthy Families in Montesano is another location with many volunteer opportunities, from lawn maintenance and answering phones to reading and cooking for children.

There will always be a need for blood donations. This is a quick and simple way to save lives for those near and far. Check the Red Cross website for when local blood drives are to take place.

This is a great way to keep your city looking kept and clean. From your own street to local parks, places nearby can always use volunteers to help pick up trash. Some cities will even provide tools to help clean up, so check out your city’s official webpage for information. Another great option to consider is helping out Clean Streams and Memes. They are a local group that focuses on cleaning up the watersheds throughout Grays Harbor, meeting on Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

It’s true that even pennies help. If there is a need that you see that needs to be filled, many local businesses are not opposed to putting out donation jars. All you have to do is ask!

One of the easiest ways to give back is just by being kind to one another. Saying hello, giving a compliment or simply smiling at your fellow Grays Harborite can make someone’s entire day. Things like picking up someone else’s bill at a restaurant, grocery store or even a coffee shop keeps the overall spirits of the community shining.