By mid-December, visitors to Valley Cities Behavioral Health Care locations may notice the reception rooms looking a little fuller – boxes tucked beside desks, a growing stack of donated coats, the gentle hum of people dropping by with something to share.
The team has had a busy start to winter, organizing donation drop boxes for toys, coats, clothing and toiletries at clinics and partner sites across King County.
The items meet immediate needs, but staff say they also send a quieter message to clients facing instability: someone out there is rooting for you.
A winter coat can make it easier for a person to get to an appointment. A small backpack filled with toiletries can bring dignity to someone staying in a shelter. A couple of donated toys can brighten the holidays for an entire family trying to regain its footing.
This year’s drive also lands during a milestone moment, as Valley Cities celebrates 60 years of providing mental health and substance use disorder treatment – six decades shaped by counselors, case managers, outreach workers and community members who’ve committed themselves to building a healthier, more hopeful region.
“Sixty years of providing vital support and services to King County residents in need is certainly something to celebrate, and we’re excited to see what our next six decades will bring,” says Payton Standfill, marketing specialist at Valley Cities. “Our ability to keep doing this work comes down to the commitment of our community and the generosity of our donors, and we are genuinely grateful for that support.”
Columbia Bank drop box locations:
- 1250 Meridian Ave. E., Milton
- 4101 A St. SE, Auburn
- 33515 9th Ave. S., Federal Way
- 504 W. Meeker St., Kent
- 1900 S. 320th St., Federal Way
Valley Cities drop box locations:
- 1336 S. 336th St., Federal Way
- 325 W. Gowe St., Kent
- 2704 I St. NE, Auburn
- 1335 Cole St., Enumclaw
- 26401 Pacific Hwy. S., Des Moines
- 8444 Rainier Ave. S., Seattle
- 221 Wells Ave. S., Renton
- 929 N. 130th St., Suite 3, Seattle
Additional drop box locations:
- Tunes Enumclaw-851 Stevenson Ave, Enumclaw, 98022
- The Local Coffee House-1616 Cole St, Enumclaw, 98022
- Federal Way Police Department-33325 8th Ave S, Federal Way, WA 98003
For those unable to visit a drop box, financial contributions provide steady support for counseling, recovery, housing and community education programs.
These gifts – one-time, monthly or part of a legacy plan – help ensure people facing mental health challenges, addiction, homelessness, trauma or major life transitions aren’t left to navigate those hardships alone.
To make a donation, visit valleycities.org/donate.
To learn more about Valley Cities and their services, call 253-833-7444 or visit valleycities.org. Follow them on Facebook for news and updates
If you or someone you know is currently struggling with mental health and/or addiction, contact the Valley Cities team by phone at 253-833-7444 or in person at your local Valley Cities location. You can also call the 24 hour crisis line at 206-461-3222 or toll free at 866-427-4747.
