Spokane launches annual philanthropy month

Spokane Mayor David Condon launched the city’s sixth annual Spokane Gives month by asking community members to donate their time and give back to their neighborhoods.

Last year, about 26,500 people volunteered 123,000 hours during the month of April, cleaning up neighborhoods like Peaceful Valley and remodeling the Hope House women’s shelter, as well as other projects. During a news conference Tuesday, Condon accepted a $5,000 check from credit union STCU that the city will use to fund volunteer project grants during Spokane Gives Month.

Grants can be up to $500, and the city has $10,000 available for this year’s projects. The deadline to apply is March 29.

Condon called Spokane one of the “most compassionate communities in America,” and said he was looking forward to what volunteers would accomplish during this year’s community service events.

“I can’t wait to see what our citizens do together,” he said.

Spokane Gives Coordinator Tessa Delbridge said volunteer efforts during the event could vary widely, including serving meals, cleaning neighborhoods or particpating in community remodeling projects.

“It’s just about giving back,” she said.

City spokeswoman Marlene Feist said Spokane Gives Month is a chance to highlight the work many volunteers already do and prepare for community events in the next few months, such as Bloomsday and the Lilac Festival.

“Spokane is known for its big events, and we’re able to do them because of our volunteer culture,” she said.