In 2018, Eastside Community Aid (ECA) Thrift Shop donated $151,505 back into the Eastside community through grants, vouchers, Day of Caring Cards, the Hope Festival and community college scholarships.

The following organizations were awarded money in 2018:

Assistance League of the Eastside, Lake Washington Schools Foundation Pantry Packs, Eastside Baby Corner, Compassionate Friends, Hopelink, Hidden Manna Food Bank, Community Care Alliance, HERO House, National Alliance on Mental Health, Camp Unity Eastside, Farms For Life, The Sophia Way, Raven Rock Ranch, Old Friends Club, Imagine Housing, Friends of Youth, Boys & Girls Clubs of King County, Boots to Shoes Foundation, Cascadia College Foundation (three scholarships), Lake Washington Institute of Technology (two scholarships), Sibling House, Seattle Education Access, Lifewire, Hope Festival, Congregations for the Homeless, Little Bit Therapeutic Riding, Sophia Way client vouchers, Imagine Housing vouchers, Lifewire Vouchers, Bethlehem Vouchers and Day of Caring $10 cards.

According to a press release, ECA is looking to provide grant funds to additional nonprofit organizations on the Eastside, especially small groups needing a little help. The guidelines and grant application can be found online at www.ecathriftshop.org.

ECA is an all-volunteer organization, located at 12451 116 Ave. NE in Kirkland. Clean, resalable items can be dropped off during business hours 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. The shop is open until 6 p.m. Friday. For more information, call 425-825-1877.

In December, ECA was able to provide emergency funds to Camp Unity Eastside so the encampment could continue to stay open for those in need of shelter and food.