Drive for Joy

The fourth-annual Drive for Joy event, presented by Lighthouse Mission Ministries, will collect new and practical gifts for people who are homeless on Saturday, Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Barkley Woods Coffee in Bellingham.

This drive-through and drop-off event will be located outside the Barkley Woods Coffee (3008 Cinema Place), according to President and CEO Hans Erchinger-Davis. Signs will guide people’s cars to the drop-off point in two lines, with staff and volunteers helping direct people and collecting (new) donated items.

These items will be packaged in festive bags and given as gifts by Lighthouse Mission Ministries on Christmas. Extra items will be distributed as part of outreach throughout the year.

“It’s such a beautiful thing to see people’s faces when they get their Christmas gifts,” Erchinger-Davis said. “A gift may seem trivial, but it means the world to the person who feels forgotten. It builds trust and motivation for taking next steps.”

People who wish to donate can drive through and drop off emergency blankets & sleeping bags, hand warmers, and single serving instant coffee, cocoa, and cider packets. Other needed items include underwear, toothpaste, toothbrushes, single-use shaving razors, hats, gloves and socks. New items are requested.

Also, gifts of Christmas cards and postage stamps will enable guests at the Base Camp emergency shelter in Bellingham to reach out to family and friends.

“We encourage everyone to take part in Drive for Joy—try collecting items ahead of time with your friends and family, church group, neighbors, or at your business,” Erchinger-Davis said. “Then all you need to do is drop off the items on December 3.”