The IlluminAge team feels so lucky to be able to spend our days working with people we enjoy – each other and our clients. We used to celebrate the season of giving by sending candy. In recent years we reconsidered the reason for the season. Through our work in aging and senior care, we know there are many older adults who rely on free or low-cost services as a lifeline, to be able to continue living at home. For the third year in a row, we are allocating our “corporate gifting” budget to Meals on Wheels.
We also asked our team to share what types of things they give their time or money to, and why. We thought we’d share a few with you:
“We love music in our house! It inspires us, comforts us, and connects us. Throughout the year, we donate to two stations that make our days a little brighter and our playlists a lot more interesting: KBCS, the community public radio station from Bellevue College, and Radio Dismuke, a nonprofit internet station spinning vintage hits and jazz from the 1920s and ’30s. Both stations bring fresh sounds and fascinating insights to the airwaves, reminding us that great music, whether brand new or nearly a century old, never goes out of style.” – Bonnie
“Each year my husband and I adopt kids through the Boys and Girls Club program connected to my sister-in-law’s work. We also support The Clutch Cause through their holiday toy drive and car show benefiting Tucson Medical Center. Christmas is our favorite season, so we plan and work all year to help make it a little brighter for kids who could use the extra joy. Giving back in these ways lets us share the happiness the season brings us.” – Sarah
“I make a point to regularly support my local radio stations – KEXP (“where the music matters”) and KNKX (blues, jazz, and news). Music has always been something that lifts my spirits and brings genuine joy into my life, so contributing to the stations that provide that feels meaningful and important. I also give to CornellLab to support science focused on birds and nature, because birds are cool!” – Aaron
“We’ve given to numerous causes over the years, but we always come back to basic human needs such as supporting food banks. It’s hard to think of anyone going hungry or homeless and without services they may need. Our local food bank even helps people write to family or friends with free stationery and postage, along with help writing if needed. Food banks are a crucial lifeline in any community.” – Nancy
“I’ve always loved a deep dive on random topics, and as my children enter reading ages, I want to encourage that, so I give to Wikipedia. I hope they grow and maintain the love of learning and analysis that I have been able to foster. Whether they end up doing a late-night search on the history of ropes (one of my weirder deep dives), or simply use it to find original sources, I hope my children grow to embrace a constant search for knowledge (random or not).” – Elly
“Working in my community is one of my favorite things to do. I have two young children, and I volunteer a lot at their school as PTO president. Our PTO partners with our school district, local businesses, staff, and students to organize events and educational opportunities for our kids. Our educators give so much and are so important, and volunteering my time is one way I can show my appreciation for everything they do.” – Amanda
“I donate to the Seattle Public Library Foundation because it’s been one of the best community resources for my child. My son and I go every 2-3 weeks and come home with 10-30 books, mostly graphic novels at this point. He’s been doing this since he was just a baby, and with a small annual donation he’s been able to have access to thousands of books, a library of options that grows with his reading interests and abilities.” – Connie
“I support Bloodworks Northwest with my time, donations, and—most importantly—my blood! Knowing that my blood type is the first line of defense in an emergency room is a powerful motivator to find the time to help local people when they need it most. Not everyone can give blood, but National Blood Donation month in January reminds us that everyone can play a role in promoting this life-saving community resource.” – Lindsey
“I donate to the World Wildlife Fund, a tradition that started when I was young. During the holidays, my mom had us choose an organization to support as one of our gifts, and I always picked the WWF. I’ve always been an animal lover at heart, so continuing that tradition into adulthood has felt like a natural way to support wildlife and the protection of natural habitats.” – Mary
“I donate to The Wild Animal Sanctuary, an incredible refuge that rescues and protects captive-born exotic animals as well as Colorado Mustangs, because I deeply believe in their mission to give vulnerable animals a second chance at the life they deserve. I also volunteer throughout the year with the Green Seattle Partnership, which works to restore and maintain Seattle’s forested parklands so they can thrive for generations.” – Danielle
To all of our friends, we thank you for your partnership and wish you warmth and love throughout the year.