DONATE TO A LOCAL CHARITY >>>

There's no better way to support your community than supporting your neighbors in need, especially during the holiday season. We'll feature local charities on Spew throughout this holiday season with links to donate your money, supplies and time.

Give the karmic wheel a spin for today's charity focus:

Rebuilding Together South Sound

2025 Mildred St. W., Fircrest
253.238.0977

Rebuilding Together became a national nonprofit organization in 1988 headquartered in Washington, D.C. There are now 260 affiliates of this volunteer organization in 49 states - including a South Sound chapter based in Fircrest - preserving and revitalizing low-income houses and communities.

The group performs home repair and maintenance services at no charge for low-income homeowners and nonprofit facilities. The organization reaches out to the elderly, the disabled and families with children in an attempt to help them remain warm, safe and independent in their homes.

"We have just begun an emergency repair program, and we could really use volunteers, donors and applicants," says Drew Carrigan, community outreach coordinator for Rebuilding Together South Sound. Emergency repairs are now part of RTSS's year round program that also includes home modifications for increased accessibility. The local affiliate has its sights set on completing 70 projects yearly.

Rebuilding Together South Sound seeks skilled volunteers who are willing to help fix actively leaking roofs, major plumbing leaks, and loss of heat. While some community volunteers have extraordinary skills, the construction industry's skilled trade professionals - plumbers, electricians, iron workers, glaziers and roofers - not only save time with their expertise but they also get excited about being part of the program. Much of the work for seniors involves building a ramp to eliminate steps to an entry. Recent statistics have revealed that the number of seniors seriously injured in falls continue to climb.

In 2009, more than 250,000 volunteers worked on more than 8,000 homes and nonprofit facilities nation wide. Since the program began, 87,450 homes have been rehabilitated with the help of more than 2.3 million volunteers.

Rebuilding Together relies on donations of cash, labor and materials from businesses and community groups before molding its schedule of projects.

LINK: Donate to Rebuilding Together South Sound

LINK: Volunteer at Rebuilding Together South Sound

LINK: Become a fan

Previous Mistledole charities

• Tacoma Community House
• Lindquist Dental Clinic for Children
• Olive Crest
• Emergency Food Network
• Catherine Place
• Mary Bridge Children's Foundation
• United Way/Project:U
• Santa Silvia/Mary Bridge
• Thurston County Food Bank
• Fisher House
• Lakewood Area Shelter Association
• CenterForce
• Tacoma Goodwill