Submitted by Give Lopez organizers.

Give Lopez is an annual two-week Spring fundraiser from April 17th to May 1st that benefits Lopez Island non-profits doing work in our local community. Started in 2018 by a handful of Lopez Island organizations wishing to collaborate on an island based fundraising event, this year, it has grown to 15 organizations supporting a variety of community-based programs. To participate, organizations must do work that serves the residents of Lopez Island.

The event encourages charitable donations through Give Lopez’s online giving platform at www.GiveLopez.org. Each participating organization has an individual webpage on the site that promotes its organization and the project they are raising funds for.

Give Lopez allows individuals to learn about the services offered by non-profits working for the common good, making a long-term difference in our community, and supporting them with donations. “It’s inspiring to see how the community comes together to support our local non-profits,” said Sue DuMond of the Lopez Island Grange, “Give Lopez has become a significant part of all of the participating organization’s yearly fundraising.”

Every participating organization is an integral part of what helps keep our island community diverse, functioning, and vibrant. Organizations raising funds for infrastructure and capital improvements are – Lopez Island Historical Society & Museum – new septic tank, Lopez Grange – Insulation and weatherization, Lopez Community Center – pavilion roof, Lopez Children’s Center – flooring and electrical repair, Woodmen Hall –roof replacement, Lopez Union Cemetery Association – paint Center Church, Taproot – kitchen expansion and cook room build-out, Housing Lopez – storage shed addition and landscaping at Fish Bay Cottages, Lopez Community Land Trust – homebuilding and prep for new Fish Bay home site, SWAP – replace the backhoe at Lopez Dump, Lopez Fireworks – materials, equipment upgrades, and repair.

Organizations seeking financial support for programs are The Hamlet – caregiver training and continuing education, and replacing outdated appliances for low-income seniors; Lopez Island Family Resource Center – sustain local farmers and feed neighbors and support the Food Share, Lopez Island Home and Hospice Support – expand durable medical equipment service and small grant home safety equipment, Friends of Lopez Island Pool – lifeguard recruitment and training program, and securing safety and accessibility equipment.

This year donors can contribute to multiple non-profits by utilizing the shopping cart option that allows donations to several organizations in one easy checkout. One stop giving! Additionally, the platform offers the option for donors to spread their contributions throughout the year by selecting a monthly donation. Donors can also make cash or check contributions by sending them directly to their preferred organizations. All donations are tax-deductible, and donors receive a receipt for their gift.

First year participant Lopez Fireworks board member Samantha Olson relates, “Joining the Give Lopez campaign allows us to branch out to new donors and team up with other organizations that help keep our community going.” Taproot Treasurer Laurie Bullock adds, “We appreciate the opportunity to join the larger Give Lopez group, to showcase our efforts as well as help encourage community support in a wide range of local efforts!”

The participating organizations of Give Lopez appreciate their fellow islander’s ongoing generosity and investment in our community’s future. Every dollar you donate benefits Lopez Island non-profits doing crucial and transformative work on our Island. By giving together, we are building a stronger, more resilient community.