Giving Back This Holiday Season: Join Us in Supporting Our Seattle Community

Hey PNW family,

We know times are tough right now. We see it, we feel it, and we get it. But this community has heart. When we come together, even small acts of kindness can make a real difference for our neighbors who need it most. This holiday season, we invite you to join us in supporting two local organizations that are making a meaningful impact in Seattle. Whether you can give a little or a lot, your contribution matters.

YWCA Food Drive Supporting Families in Need

From November 7th through the 30th, we are collecting donations for the YWCA of Seattle. This organization quietly supports hundreds of families across Capitol Hill and the city by running emergency shelters, providing meals, and helping survivors of domestic violence rebuild their lives. Their work is vital, especially during the holiday season when many families face increased challenges.

What We’re Collecting

The YWCA needs specific food and essentials to keep their programs running smoothly. Here’s how you can help:

• Gift cards to Safeway, QFC, or Fred Meyer ($25-$50)

• Canned goods such as tuna, chicken, and vegetables

• Pantry staples including white rice, cooking oil, peanut butter, jelly, and honey

• Easy meals like Top Ramen and kid-friendly snacks

• Condiments to add flavor and variety

• Full list here: YWCA Central Food Bank Needs

Please avoid donating expired food or items in glass containers to ensure safety and usability.

How to Donate

You can drop off your donations at the front desk anytime between November 1st and 30th. If it’s easier, cash or card donations are also welcome. Every little bit helps families have a better holiday season.

Friends of Youth Giving Tree: Gifts for Those Who Need Them Most

Through December, we are also supporting the Friends of Youth Giving Tree program. Many young people in our community face hardships that most of us can’t imagine. This program provides gifts to youth who might otherwise go without during the holidays.

Friends of Youth has been around since 1951, supporting young people and families in Greater Seattle who are facing some of life's hardest challenges. They provide housing, counseling, and support to help these young folks find stability and independence. Every year, youth in their programs write down what they need or want for the holidays. Sometimes it's practical stuff and sometimes it's something that just brings a little joy. These wishes get turned into Amazon wish lists or handwritten tags that we can grab, shop for, and donate. Then Friends of Youth makes sure each young person gets their gift.

Why It Matters:

For many of these kids, this will be the only gift they receive. But it's about more than just the item itself. It's about showing them that someone cares. That their community sees them. That they're not alone.

These are young people working hard to finish school, find housing, manage their mental health, and build better futures. A thoughtful gift, even a small one, can be a powerful reminder that they matter and that people are rooting for them.

How You Can Participate

We will have our tree set up from November 24 to December 16

• Choose a tag from the Giving Tree located at our gym

• Purchase the requested gift listed on the tag

• Return the wrapped gift with the tag attached by Dec 16

  
  

This is a chance to brighten a young person’s holiday and remind them they are not alone.

A Small Thank You

To show our appreciation, members who donate will be entered into a raffle per cause for a free month of membership. Guests who contribute will receive a free day pass. But the real reward is knowing you helped a family in need.

A Word From Us

Look, we're not asking anyone to overextend themselves. If money is tight or life is overwhelming right now, please don't stress about this. Take care of yourself and your own family first. That's always the priority.

But if you can spare a few cans of soup, a $25 gift card, or a winter coat for a teenager who needs one? That stuff adds up. It really does.

The holidays can be hard for a lot of people. For families choosing between rent and groceries. For young people aging out of foster care with nowhere to go. For survivors trying to rebuild after leaving dangerous situations.

We can't fix everything. But we can do something. And when a community like ours does something together, it actually makes a difference.

Thank you for being the kind of people who care. Thank you for being part of this gym, this neighborhood, and this community.

Let's make this season a little brighter for the people who need it most.

With gratitude,

The PNW Fitness Team