Looking to give? What Seattle's homeless organizations need this winter

SEATTLE — If you are interested in helping Seattle's homeless population this holiday season, don't overlook the importance of something as basic as a clean, dry pair of socks. Many homeless-service providers working in the Seattle area say they're in need of basic supplies this winter like clean underwear, blankets and nonperishable food.

In addition, Project Homeless rounded up what else local homeless service providers say they could use. And don't forget that uncoordinated or unsolicited donations can create more work for organizations that are already juggling a lot. When in doubt, reach out.

Nickelsville

Nickelsville has three self-run tiny home villages for homeless people. The group needs coffee, large coffee filters, pasta, rice and canned goods. It says residents aren't picky but they are always hungry for a hot meal, which can be coordinated with staff at 206-930-4388 or staff@nickelsville.org. Gift cards to grocery stores can be mailed to Nickelsville, P.O. Box 2033, Seattle, WA 98111. If you want to donate something other than food, it needs warm clothes and accessories, especially for men.

Friends of Youth

The youth homelessness nonprofit is looking for grocery store gift cards, gift cards to restaurants and easy-to-grab snacks. It also needs underwear; raincoats and gloves of all sizes and kinds; blankets; backpacks or duffel bags; ear plugs; self-care items, such as lotion, perfume or cologne and beauty face masks; puzzles; games; fidget toys; headphones; art supplies; and journals. The organization is especially in need of Black hair care products. Items can be mailed to or dropped off from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at 13116 N.E. 132nd St., Kirkland, WA 98144.

Operation Nightwatch

Operation Nightwatch, a faith-based organization in Seattle that provides housing, free meals and street outreach, is asking for knit hats, gloves, hand warmers and men's white athletic socks. To schedule a donation drop-off, contact info@seattlenightwatch.org or 206-323-4359, Ext. 2. It has additional items on an Amazon wish list. The organization is working to open a new 20-bed women's shelter and is accepting donations to complete construction and start it up.

Low Income Housing Institute

One of the largest tiny home village and affordable housing providers in the Seattle area, the Low Income Housing Institute is asking for new or gently used winter items, such as sweaters, sweatpants, gloves, coats, jackets, scarves, hats and hand warmers. It's also looking for new toiletry items for people moving into shelter and housing. It also needs shelf-stable food items and children's school supplies, winter clothes, diapers, art supplies, games and toys. To arrange a donation drop-off, email volunteer.program@lihi.org or call Amanda at 206-957-8078. You can also mail grocery store gift cards to LIHI Volunteer Program, 1253 S. Jackson St., Suite A, Seattle, WA 98144.

Downtown Emergency Service Center

The Downtown Emergency Service Center, one of Seattle's largest homeless service providers, needs new and gently used blankets and larger sizes of adult outerwear. Donations of new adult-sized socks and underwear are always welcome. Contact donations@desc.org to schedule a drop-off in the Columbia City area.

Mary's Place

Mary's Place, which supports families experiencing homelessness, is most in need of $25 gift cards to gas stations, grocery stores, Target or Fred Meyer. Families also need large diapers, twin-size sheets, fleece blankets, snow boots for kids, thick socks, and winter and rain jackets for all sizes and genders. Mary's Place also has an Amazon wish list. To learn more about donation drop-offs, visit the Mary's Place website. Through the end of December, you can donate money to its No Child Sleeps Outside campaign.

The Sophia Way

The Sophia Way supports women experiencing homelessness by offering support and shelter. This season, Sophia Way needs umbrellas, winter coats, boots, ponchos and other items on an Amazon wish list. You can also mail $25 gift cards for Fred Meyer, QFC, Target, Amazon, Starbucks or Safeway/Albertsons to The Sophia Way, 1100 Bellevue Way N.E., #8A-110, Bellevue, WA 98004.

Teen Feed

Based in Seattle's University District, Teen Feed serves young people experiencing homelessness. This holiday season, Teen Feed is most in need of gift cards or cash in $25 increments, which will allow youth to make their own purchases or pay fees. It also needs warm fleece blankets; all-cotton underwear and T-shirts in medium, large and extra-large sizes for all genders; fleece hoodies in large and extra-large; wool socks; weatherproof men's jackets; and thick flannel overshirts or shirt jackets.

YWCA Seattle-King-Snohomish

The YWCA's Angeline Day Center for Women is looking for winter coats, gloves, warm socks, winter hats and boots for adults and kids, as well as scarves, warm polar fleece blankets, hand and toe warmers, lotion, lip balm and tissues and waterproof bags. More can be found on its donation page.

New Horizons

New Horizons, which helps young people facing homelessness, maintains an Amazon wish list and a list of urgent needs, which includes items like towels, pillows, flat twin sheets, snacks and more. Drop off or send donations to New Horizons, 2709 Third Ave., Seattle, WA 98121.

Lake City Partners

Lake City Partners provides shelter, a day center and additional resources to help people meet their basic needs. It is raising money for a shelter to house 30 women by the end of winter. It needs new, twin-size comforters and blankets, mattress covers and waterproof mattress protectors. It also needs new women's underwear, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and shower sandals. Donations can be sent to Lake City Partners, Attn: Cynthia Singer, 16357 Aurora Ave. N., Shoreline, WA 98133.

Elizabeth Gregory Home

Elizabeth Gregory Home, located in Seattle's University District, offers support for single women who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless through case management, transitional housing and a drop-in day center. It needs new or gently used tennis shoes and rain boots, especially women's sizes 9, 10, and 11; new underwear and adult disposable underwear; new or gently used sleeping bags; leggings of all sizes; umbrellas; and full-size bottles of shampoo, conditioner and body wash. It also needs $10 Safeway or Target gift cards. Donation drop-offs are welcome at Elizabeth Gregory Home's Day Center from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday through Friday at 1604 N.E. 50th St. in Seattle. To learn more about ways to give, visit www.eghseattle.org/ways-to-give/.