Embrace the ‘Giving Season’ with us: Bring cheer to those less fortunate during the holidays

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The Christmas and the holiday season is traditionally a time where families come together to show love and affection for family and give thanks for the blessings in their life.

This time of year is most certainly a time of giving and sharing with those closest to us; however, it is also for the person that we never knew and children we may never see or meet. The attorneys and staff with Althauser Rayan Abbarno encourage you to support our neighbors and those in our community that need a helping hand during the Yuletide season.

ROOF Community Services

The Rochester Organization of Families (ROOF) addresses community needs by providing resources and services to children, youth and families to achieve a healthy, positive and drug-free community in the Rochester area.  

ROOF provides a number of community services in the South Thurston County area including an after-school tutoring program, energy and rental assistance and a Food Bank that serves 700 families monthly.

“We are extremely thankful for the support our community gives to ROOF Community Services,” said Kellie McNelly, ROOF Executive Director.  “Over the past 25 years, ROOF has been a solid resource for many families in need and we couldn’t have done it without our dedicated volunteers and generous donors.”

During the holiday season there is a need to replenish the Food Bank and support ROOF’s Operation Santa project.  Each year about 400 children from low-income families in Rochester receive new clothing and toys through generous community support. ROOF is always looking for individuals and businesses to volunteer time and donate children’s toys and clothing, and money.

“We support the ROOF mission because it provides so many quality services that make an impact in our community,” said Peter Abbarno, partner with Althauser Rayan Abbarno.  “Kellie and her team in Rochester do an amazing job making sure the needs of local children and families are being met.”

To volunteer, make monetary donations, or for more information about ROOF, call (360) 273-6375, visit ROOFCommunityServices.org, and remember ROOF Walk-n-Knock in Rochester/Grand Mound is Saturday, Dec. 1.

Forgotten Children’s Fund

The Forgotten Children's Fund is a volunteer organization that works to give deserving children and their families a truly Merry Christmas.  Our local Les Schwab Tires holds an annual toy drive to collect toys for Santa Claus to deliver to local children. The Organization began in 1976 when a boy named Craig wrote a misdirected letter to Santa Claus that found its way to Seattle.

“We are very proud of the work this organization does for the families in our community,” said Todd Rayan, partner with Althauser Rayan Abbarno.  “Every child deserves a Merry Christmas and happy holiday regardless of their financial situation. The Les Schwab Toy Drive and Forgotten Children’s Fund leaves a life-long positive impact that shows children that their community and neighbors care about them.”

Please consider visiting your local Les Schwab Toy Drive and making a donation.  

To learn more about the Forgotten Children’s Fund, visit forgottenchildrensfund.org.



Law Enforcement Brings Holiday Cheer

Althauser Rayan Abbarno has been a long-time supporter of law enforcement’s efforts to connect with our community and they encourage you to support this year’s “Night Out With Santa” and “Shop With A Cop” programs.

“I am very thankful for the time and energy my staff puts toward this event, as well as the gracious support our businesses and community members provide,” said Centralia Police Chief Carl Nielsen.  “Without those generous donations, we would not have the opportunity to brighten the holiday for families in need.”

The Centralia Police Department will be hosting its annual Night Out With Santa event on Saturday, Dec. 15. Individual and business contributions can be made to the Centralia Police Officers Association, PO Box 609, 118 W. Maple Street, Centralia, WA 98531.

The Lewis County Sheriff’s Office, through the United Way of Lewis County, participates in the “Shop With a Cop” program, which takes children shopping with a law enforcement officer for Christmas. Donations to support the program can be made year-round to: Lewis County Sheriff’s Office Association, c/o Shop With a Cop, 345 W. Main Street, Chehalis WA 98532.  To support the Chehalis “Shop With a Cop” program, donations can be sent to the Chehalis Police Officers Association, C/O Shop with a Cop, 350 N. Market Street, Rm. 201, Chehalis WA 98532.

“This is the time of year when we have the opportunity to help some of those young individuals who may not otherwise be able to have a Christmas,” said Lewis County Sheriff Rob Snaza.  “It is a time when law enforcement can break down so many barriers with local children and give back to the community.”

Severe Weather Shelter

Bethel Church and the Hub City Mission’s Severe Weather Shelter is truly saving lives in our community.  The Shelter is open at the SW Washington Fairgrounds when the temperature drops below 38 degrees or when there is severe wind and rain.

“My family has volunteered at the shelter and we have seen the difference made and lives saved by the shelter,” said Abbarno, who along with being a partner with Althauser Rayan Abbarno is also a Centralia City Councilmember.  “Pastor Josh Gering and the Bethel Community have worked with the cities of Centralia and Chehalis, Lewis County, the United Way, and other partners to make this happen and make it successful.”

Those interested in donating to the project can mail checks to 132 Kirkland Road, Chehalis, WA 98532 or go online to bethel-church.com/give.  Volunteers are also currently being sought to staff the shelter.  To volunteer, check out the Facebook page “Hub City Mission” or email hubcitymission@bethel-church.com.

Resources and Other Opportunities

To learn more about organizations making a positive difference in our community visit lewiscountyUW.com in Lewis County and unitedway-thurston.org in Thurston County.

“I appreciate the way the United Way makes it easy to find local partners and opportunities to volunteer,” said Abbarno.  “Whether you want to serve food at a neighborhood food bank or be a reading buddy, I encourage you to get involved. Volunteering is contagious; you just need your first exposure.”

Althauser Rayan Abbarno is a law firm with offices in Centralia and Olympia. They have been representing the rights of individuals and businesses in our community since 1946. To meet with their attorneys, call (360) 736-1301 or visit CentraliaLaw.com.