Tikkun Olam

TBH is very involved in social justice work in our community. These are some of our major Tikkun Olam (repair of the world) projects.

High Holiday Food Drive (Fall): Our congregation takes seriously our obligation to provide for those in need. From Rosh Hashanah through Yom Kippur, we collect bags of healthy, nutritious food which is donated to the Thurston County Food Bank. We also collect monetary contributions as the Food Bank can buy wholesale, stretching the purchasing power of our dollars.

Winter Outerwear and Blanket Drive (Nov-Dec): Many people have trouble keeping warm in winter. Each winter we collect clean blankets, winter coats, sweaters, hats, mittens and other outdoor gear. The donations go to St. Michael’s Clothing Bank which gives them at no charge to anyone in need of clothing.

ForKIDS Food Packing (Monthly):  TBH was the first faith community to volunteer for the Tumwater Food Bank's weekend lunch program almost 20 years ago, and we have volunteered ever since. TBH community members meet on the first Tuesday of the month in the afternoon to fill bags that feed many students in elemetary schools in our local school districts.

Unity Commons Meal Preparation (Monthly): A  project of the TBH Homelessness Task Force created in 2021, TBH members and friends meet monthly in the TBH kitchen to prepare and cook meals for 60 on the 4th Friday of the month. These meals are delivered to the shelter residents at Unity Commons, which is operated by Interfaith Works. 

Shower (ongoing): Several years ago, when we became a sanctuary congregation in support of immigrants and asylum seekers, we created a living space—including installing a shower. Now that Sanctuary has ended, we are repurposing and reopening Raven’s Haven as a support for the homeless community by offering those in need the ability to shower at TBH. To do this, we have partnered with the City of Olympia and their affiliate agencies, who escort individuals to use the space.