During the holiday season, we are all encouraged to think of our neighbors and open the purse for good causes.
Need on San Juan Island, however, is year-round. And the island hosts a great variety of ways to give back from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31. The following are just a small selection of ways in which a little time and effort can make a difference.
Cancer Treatment Program
The Cancer Treatment Program is fairly well known within the community. What is perhaps less known is how expenses for the program have rocketed in the past decade.
According to program founder and coordinator Vicky Thalacker, the program’s costs have risen from $5,000 to $15,000 in 10 years.
The program was founded to transport cancer patients from the island to the mainland for treatment. Patients are given a book of ferry tickets to ease the cost of ferry travel, or flown at no expense to the mainland by the San Juan Eagles, the program’s group of pilots. These men and women, some retired, some still working, fly patients to the mainland for free. The pilots donate their time and plane costs.
It is no small commitment. In the past three months, according to Thalacker, the Eagles have been flying every day, with some exceptions made for weather.
Thalacker said that people can donate all year round and that every little bit makes a difference. The Soroptimists, who raise money for the ferry tickets, also ensure that raising funds for the program is fun, and not overly demanding. In January, Soroptimists will host a Bunco game night at Mullis Center. Soroptimist Nancy DeVaux said the evening will have a $20 entry fee and for that participants get “an evening of entertainment and appetizers.” One night of inexpensive fun makes a big difference to the lives of those trying to heal.
Animal Protection Society
Contributions to the community do not always have to involve donating money, and they do not always have to involve people.
The Animal Protection Society of Friday Harbor does much to protect and foster the island’s rescued animals. “The animals always need to be handled, walked, brushed, especially the kittens and puppies,” APS President Jaime Ellsworth said. “Contributions do not have to be monetary,” adding that any spare cartons of bleach and kitty litter are always needed.
Donating affection can be as simple as an hour spent socializing with a puppy, or go as far as fostering an animal. “You can foster pets that haven’t yet got adopted, to socialize them, you can take them for a weekend, week or a month, as long as you want,” Ellsworth said.
For those wishing to donate time that does not involve four legs, the society is looking for volunteers to fill in for a few hours at their new store Island Tails, at 26 Cannery Landing.
Calvary Chapel San Juan
A current source of outreach will be expanding in 2011, making giving back easy and fun.
Calvary Chapel San Juan has moved into new premises at 620 B Guard St. — the former Pig War Museum. With a permanent address, Pastor Joe Gamez has plans to expand and improve the church’s clothing collection and distribution.
Donors can bring any clean, suitable clothes for distribution to those in need.
“Use the same standards you would in giving clothes to Second Act,” Gamez said. Calvary Chapel’s office is open for donations from Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
You do not have to be affiliated with Calvary Chapel to get involved or donate. Indeed, next summer, Calvary Chapel will provide another opportunity for people to contribute their talents to the community.
In July, the church hosted a free community event at Sunken Park, with children’s games, clowns and face painting, free haircuts, live music, a certified nurse to help with medical questions, and free food and drinks. Sharon Link coordinated and offered the haircuts and next year will take on the project again.
Gamez said anyone able to help with this program would be much appreciated.
With a little time, money and effort, anyone on the island can see their fellow community members fed, clothes, healed and cared for, all year round.
