Since 1979, The Seattle Times Fund For The Needy has helped meet the needs of the most vulnerable members of our community — including children, families and seniors. Throughout the years our readers have donated more than $11.3 million to the Fund. And 100 percent of all contributions to The Seattle Times Fund For The Needy go directly to local agencies that address critical community needs.

The Fund For The Needy is comprised of agencies that excel in providing preventative and remedial services that help people become strong, independent members of our community. This year 13 local nonprofits have been carefully chosen to receive support from the Fund For The Needy. With your donation, thousands of our neighbors will have an opportunity to make a change for the better.

You can contribute to the Fund For The Needy securely online or you can print a coupon (34K PDF) and mail it to us with your donation. Your tax-deductible contribution will help improve the lives of deserving children, families and seniors here in our community.

Don't miss the opportunity to help our neighbors in need and create fond memories with those you love. The Seattle Times partners with community organizations to sponsor events that support the Fund For The Needy. Click on Events for a complete list of these benefit events.

As part of our commitment to inform you about our community and the impact of your gift, we have planned a series of in-depth articles that tell the stories of the people whose lives you have helped to change — real-life journeys from homelessness to independence and all roads in between. Each week a new story will highlight one or more of this year's 13 recipient agencies and the critical services they provide that benefit us all.

Please take time to read our stories and consider making a donation to The Seattle Times Fund For The Needy.