Garage Of Blessings

We are very fortunate in Oak Harbor to have the Garage of Blessings














I taught K-12, mostly elementary for 30 years. After I retired, I wanted to still help young families as well as enjoy crafting. At the Garage I found my perfect match. I oversea the craft area, getting free materials to others to craft away some of the stress of life as well as furnish materials for young children to grow creatively. I also prepare materials for our yearly craft sale, the proceeds used to pay our rent.

I've been a volunteer for 8 years. I am so grateful for this opportunity. We have served countless community members in all different needy situation. This non-profit is definitely needed in Oak Harbor. In my years as a volunteer and can truly say that we have helped so many community members in need. I can't imagine a better and more satisfying place to volunteer. I know first hand how much the Garage of Blessing is needed.

This is an unbelievable place! What a fantastic opportunity for our community to get items that are needed.
Community members in need can find clothes, household item, cookware and much more. This non-profit is truly a "blessing." Oak Harbor is lucky to have a place like this to help our community.

So many wonderful people give their time to help the community. It's amazing the great donations that the community gives.

I love being part of the garage of blessings, this organization has change my life, everyone is very supportive, loving and caring, I thank all who makes donations and the ones who donate there time and effort,

My name is Glen and I have volunteered at the garage for quite a few years now. My role is to meet people bringing donations and assist in unloading their vehicles. It’s amazing to observe the generosity of our community which allows us in turn to bless others and supply some of their needs. It’s also a blessing to work with other volunteers who are willing to give of their time and abilities to assist in the operation.

What brought me to the Garage a Blessings?
> I had retired after 25 years of being a real estate agent, and was looking for some thing to become involved with
> After volunteering at the Garage of Blessings, it became apparent that the Garage had become involved in me
> I fell in love with the one on one interaction when helping someone.
> To see the genuine heartfelt thank you’s
>
> Having first-hand experience with a family member who is homeless the Garage of Blessings has given me
> More than inspiration
>
> Having started out as a volunteer hanging up clothes to now the volunteer VLC admin Director, and volunteer board of directors treasurer only reinforces how the Garage of Blessings has become involved with me
> Volunteering here has saved me thousands of dollars in counseling therapy, made me grateful and appreciative for all the blessings that I have, and given me an empathetic understanding of those in need
> It’s a feeling that’s hard to put into words
Patty Folkestad

This is the most heartfelt nonprofit organization with the kindest volunteers serving Island and Skagit Counties. I am proud to be a part of this group!

It’s so rare to work in an environment where you have the opportunity to spread joy, yet you can see this happen every day at the Garage of Blessings. I love being a part of the team! The dedication to service and kindness the Garage volunteers share with shoppers (and each other) creates a warm and welcoming space where needs are met and lives are changed for the better. My favorite experience this week was watching another volunteer assist a very quiet young man who came in hoping to find a leather jacket. The volunteer immediately went into the back sorting area. A few minutes later the same young man came by grinning from ear to ear… wearing a beautiful black leather jacket that fit him like a glove! Life is good at the Garage!

I personally have been donating to the garage of blessings for over 10 years. But the last two years I moved into a senior community and I was blessed with being voted into their president of resident council. I have joined partnership with the garage of blessings. We live approximately five hours from the garage, but I am willing to drive back-and-forth. They recently donated a very nice Bible , puzzles, and a lot of books to our library with authors that we do not have we gratefully appreciate this. I am now collecting things to take back to the garage of blessings that I know they can use again Campus Towers residence. Can’t thank them for everything they donated to us and hope to keep this partnership going thank you very much.
Phoebe Wiest president of resident council.
Longview WA

A really awesome organization that builds community.

We learned about the garage of blessings from my AMAZING cousin. My oldest son and wife are currently expecting their first child. We are all currently residing together in a single wide modular home, as finances don’t allow for them to live on their own. GOB has helped us all so immensely; the kids were blessed with just about every item they needed, and then some that they didn’t even think they would be able to get. A huge weight has been lifted from all of our shoulders. 100% I would recommend; not just to receive help, but also to donate to. The people there are amazing, every one of them, and my family can not thank you enough!

NE, OE, SE, SE, and JE

I have been sick with depression for many years to the point that I didn’t want to leave my home. Then a very sweet woman suggested that I try to go out into the community and do some volunteer work. I had been doing volunteer work already at the local Senior Center. I realized I needed more; it was suggested that I should volunteer at the Garage of Blessings.

The Garage of Blessings has helped me by giving me a place to come and interact with the public, and other volunteers are so great and have become some of my good friends.

My experience with volunteering at Garage of Blessings has been wonderful.  My job is door greeter, and I love it. I love meeting people.  I love helping people.

I would definitely recommend this non-profit to others.  This is a really great place to come to and hopefully find what people need, and resources too. People can come in with no money, or a little bit of money, and leave with quite a bit of stuff. Here at the Garage of Blessings we care and all we want to do is help.

So, thanks to Mrs. Moon for recommending me for the volunteer position at the Garage of Blessings – for it has helped me tremendously with my depression and my people skills.

Since I was a teenager. I have always volunteered in the summer when I was free. I have volunteered with the Red Cross, the USO, and teaching arts and crafts. When I retired, I started volunteering at the local college. I still had time on my hands, and one day I was walking by the Garage of Blessings and decided to go in and ask about volunteer opportunities. The next thing I knew I was working in the arts & crafts and sewing area. I taught sewing and helped people complete sewing projects. I met wonderful people in the arts and crafts area, both volunteers and clients.

When the sewing area was shut down, I began working in the shopping area. I sort clothing, hang clothing, and keep the books arranged, among other things. I find joy in helping people find what they need, and I enjoy working here because I've been able to widen my friendship circle. Those friendships helped me when I was going through a bad time.

I encourage everyone to consider volunteering, whether here or elsewhere. It will just expand your life experiences.

This place has helped my family so much. I'm a single mother and I can't afford to buy things we need brand new. I love that I can get good clothes for my kid and then re-donate them back. We love all the volunteers who work there. They are so friendly and know everyone by name. I am truly grateful for the Garage of Blessing.

After losing our home and most all we owned to toxic mold, my family and I felt overwhelmed and displaced.

Due to the toxic mold both my children starting having seizures. Thankfully after removing ourselves from the home my daughter's seizures subsided. My son still currently suffers with these nonepileptic seizures but has improved significantly.

With his health condition I made the decision to step away from my job as a dental hygienist and begin homeschooling and focusing on our overall health. This choice has really allowed me to bring my attention and energy to my family and try to rebuild our lives. Financially however it has been a real struggle but thankfully The GOB's help has offset much of the cost.

I started visiting the Garage of Blessings in hope that I could find clothes for the kids and other items we lost to the mold.

The GOB and all the staff members have become an extension of our family... their help, support, and love have truly been a blessing to my family and I.

We have been able to rebuild our lives with the help of The GOB. From dishes, clothes, and bedding, to toys, towels, and shoes. They have given us a chance to rebuild our lives and recoup our losses.

I remember one day in particular when we had visited The GOB.... of all the things that we lost to the mold, my son had a stuffed animal that he carried with him everywhere from the time he could walk. Having to get rid of "Leo" due to the mold was the most devastating experience.
On this visit to GOB I can only say that God blessed us, truly blessed us... as my son ran up to me with the exact stuffed lion "Leo" with the tags still on him. I cry just remembering his face... tears spilling out of his eyes while squeezing this beautiful gift from God. I still can't believe it and praise Jesus everyday for placing this important stuffie back in the arms of my son!

When the food pantry is open Miss Jane always has something she's set aside for us... due to Oliver's condition he also suffers with several food allergies. Miss Jane takes the time to not only remember us but also remembers his food concerns.

All of the staff is remarkable and each truly goes above and beyond for my family and I... Miss Lupita is the first to ask of any particular needs we may have with each visit. She was able to help my daughter find a formal dress and heels for a school dance. As well as find her and my son snow gear for the winter season approaching.

The GOB is a God sent to me... in all the tragedy and loss , they have been nothing but helpful, loving, and kind. We are beyond grateful for them!

My name is Terry. I needed to do community service so I would'nt have to spend time in jail. I was looking for a place to do my community service and found that I could do it at the Garage of Blessings. I liked the idea of working and volunteering at a place that was giving back to the community rather than taking.
I like volunteering there. The Garage of Blessings is a flexible place to volunteer, I can come to work when its suits me, on my terms. I like the work and the other volunteers. Some days I greet our customers, other days I help shoppers and. sometimes I help other volunteers with the heavy work. I like working with the other volunteers because they are nice and respectful towards each other and me. I encourage anyone looking to volunteer to come to the Garage of Blessings. It's a relaxed atmopshere, everyone enjoys working here.

I’ve never met such a gracious group of Angels. Their work should inspire us all!

I received a queen size bed from garage of blessings and they even delivered it to me. I am a disabled senior and Christina is so kind