What is this? Simply put, it is a place where you may give gifts to your local community. Right now, the Bellingham Gift Bank is just getting started. So, we are still working out some of the challenges associated with funding, organization, and messaging.
Is this a scam? No. If you are concerned about it being a scam, how its funded, or how it works, give us a call or send an email.
Why? In general, we think giving and receiving, rather than buying and selling, helps create a better world.
How? You give whatever you would like to the Gift Bank, and then we will do the rest. You may give anonymously or have your name attached to the gift so the receiver knows who it came from.
When? Send us an email whenever you feel like it is time to give to the Gift Bank we will get back to you as soon as we can.
Who? A small team of givers interested in creating a better world If you would like to join the gift giving team, send us an email.
Where? Right now, there is no physical location. Send us an email and we will do what we can to pick up the gifts.
Verification? If you would like to verify that your gift has been received by a member of the community, simply request such verification when you give us the gift. This way, when we give your gift, the recipient can know who to thank.
Can I resell my gift for a profit? We ask that when you receive a gift that you not resell it for a profit. We also ask that when you are done with your gift, you either gift it to someone else on your own accord, or give it back to us so we can find a new home for it.
Are there any limits on gift giving? In theory, no. You may give as much or as little as you would like.
Does the Gift Bank purchase gifts for the community? Yes, if we have the funding.
Does the Gift Bank purchase partial gifts for the community? Yes, if a giver can only afford to give us half the monetary value of a surfboard, car, boat, gear etc., we will do what we can to purchase the other half.
Are there any rules on gift giving? We may decline to receive a gift if we don't think we can find the right recipient. Right now, we can handle finding recipients for gift cards, outdoor gear, motorcycles, cars, and boats.
How do you ensure the Gift Bank isn't corrupt? Right now, no one who works or volunteers at the Gift Bank may receive or use gifts given to us by the community.
Is this like the Bellingham Food Bank? Yes and no. The food bank primarily provides food. The Gift Bank looks to secure funding and allocate gifts to the community that are not limited to just food.
Is this like Goodwill? Yes and no. Goodwill takes donations from the community and then recirculates those donations back into the community for a price. The Gift Bank receives gifts from the community and then finds the right recipient without a price.