4 Incredible Organizatons in Kitsap County
Kitsap County is full of wonderful organizations that strengthen and enrich our community in so many ways. So, we thought we would feature four of them to show what they're doing, their impact, and how easy it is to get involved.
One Organization Helping Thousands of Pets
Founded in 1908 and a leading animal welfare organization in our region, Kitsap Humane Society (KHS) helps thousands of pets each year. In fact, last year KHS helped rehome 4,146 animals. KHS staff also provided spay and neuter services to almost 4,472 pets in 2023. KHS also recently opened the Russ and Linda Veterinary Lifesaving Center. Its services include reduced-fee veterinary services for low-income families and separate, quieter recovery rooms for shelter pets to heal after surgery. Additionally, KHS opened the Big Animal Barn last year, which was donated by the Jacobi Family Foundation. This space serves as a temporary home for large animals that are under the care of Animal Control.
From pet adoption to end-of-life services, foster care to fundraisers, we are grateful to everyone at KHS. There are many ways to get involved. Consider volunteering as a dog walker, join their foster care team, donate items on their wishlist, become a Puppuccino Pal or Purr-uccino Pal Sponsor, or attend one of their special events.
Helpline House: Providing Food & Needed Services
Since 1968, Helpline House on Bainbridge Island has been helping many individuals and families in need. Helpline provides housing and utility assistance, social work and counseling services, medical supplies, senior services, and a food bank. In 2023 alone, Helpline distributed over 68,000 pounds of food a month. Helpline also helps local children in need, offering programs like Project Backpack, which supports students with free school supplies. Kids' Pantry provides over 900 bags of kid-friendly food throughout vacations and holidays. And, Helpline provides free mental health therapy for kids ages 5-12.
If you'd like to get involved, it's easy to participate in a food drive, or sign up for one of Helpline's volunteer opportunities. The annual Turkey Trot in November is also a fun way to show your support.
Preserving Local History
While there are many great nonprofits that preserve local history, we want to recognize the efforts of two distinct organizations: the Kingston Historical Society and the Poulsbo Historical Society.
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Kingston Historical Society’s mission is “To record, preserve, interpret, and display the history of Kingston, Washington.” In 2019, the Kingston Historical Society published Kingston (Images of America) through Arcadia Publishing. The book has really interesting information, old photographs, and it's available in Kingston at Saltwater Bookshop. Additionally, the Kingston Historical Society has shared displays at the Village Green, participated in local events, and gotten local teens involved. For example, Kingston High School, in partnership with the Kingston Historical Society, held an exhibit on Kingston’s Japanese settlers during a multicultural event.
As a volunteer-led group, monetary donations, memberships, and fundraising events really help this small but mighty organization. If you'd like to get involved, you may be able to help with their QR code walking tour project. The local tour will highlight local points of interest with QR codes so visitors can read expanded descriptions online. Also, the KHS meetings are open to everyone and held on the third Monday of the month at the Village Green in Kingston from 11:15 AM to 12:30 PM. You can email kingstonwahistory@gmail.com with any questions.
Just down the road in Poulsbo, the Poulsbo Historical Society has been preserving artifacts and educating locals and visitors since 1991. “Bringing the Past to Life" is the organization's motto, and it is exemplified through their community events and outreach work. The PHS operates the Maritime Museum, the Heritage Museum, the Martinson Cabin, and the Archive and Resource Center. Their museums see over 20,000 visitors a year with people stopping in who reside in countries around the world.
While the PHS does have some part-time employees, volunteers are a huge part of the organization's success. From museum greeters to maintenance volunteers, there are many ways to help. Additionally, the PHS has sponsorship opportunities and various programs and events.
We hope learning about these amazing organizations across Kitsap will inspire you to get involved or show your support however you can. Windermere has proudly supported these organizations and many others through donations and community service projects for our annual Community Service Day. We love this community and we're grateful to everyone who makes Kitsap County such a beautiful place to live.
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