During this holiday season, I reflect on the things I am most thankful for. Primarily among them is our dedicated, involved community. Arlington, at its heart, is a community of engaged residents who take time out of their busy lives to make this community thrive. In this season of giving, I ask you to remember those who could use a hand up. If you are inclined to give with your time or with financial support, I encourage you to donate to programs that provide services to those in need in our community, such as:
•The Arlington Community Resource Center, a program of Lutheran Community Services Northwest, offers resources and referrals. From January throughAugust 2019, ACRC has provided services, resources and referrals to 1,094 families. They have assisted in securing housing for 47 families, ensuring 60 adults and 60 children have shelter. ACRC has provided mental health services to 241 participants. You can support the ACRC by visiting www.lcsnw.ejoinme.org.
•Arlington Kids Kloset is a volunteer non-profit that provides new and quality used clothing, shoes and hygiene products free of charge to children ages preschool through grade 12 in the Arlington and Lakewood school districts. Since opening in 2005, AKK has served thousands of children. Donations of new and gently used clothing are accepted year round, along with laundry detergent and financial support. www.arlingtonkidskloset.com
•Arlington Community Food Bank’s mission is to help end hunger in our community. One in eight people face hunger in Western Washington; one in five of them are kids. With the generosity of businesses, organizations and individuals, the food bank is able to offer relief. Visit www.arlingtonfoodbank.org/.
•The Stillaguamish Senior Center provides services to north Snohomish County seniors to enhance their quality of life, limit isolation, provide housing and prevent a need for institutionalization. More information is available at www.stillycenter.org.
•Village Community Services is committed to making a difference in the lives of adults with disabilities, through programs such as residential support and vocational services. Visit www.villagecommunitysvcs.org.
•The Social Services Flex Fund was established to allow the Arlington police and fire departments to provide for immediate basic needs to individuals who are ready to seek treatment for their addiction to opiates. Use of the fund is specifically designed to fill the gap of time, typically two to three days, between when the individual makes the decision to stop the addiction to when the individual can be connected to treatment. Donations to this fund are limited to specific uses set by the City Council. To donate, visit www.arlingtonwa.gov/499/Social-Services-Flex-Fund.
It has been an honor working with our residents and businesses to help keep Arlington the special and caring community it is today. I look forward to continuing our work together to find and implement solutions to some of our community’s toughest challenges.
May the blessings of health, peace and happiness be yours throughout the holiday season.
Barb Tolbert is the mayor of Arlington, which has a monthly column in this newspaper.
