Oly Families

01/28/2026

Space Heater Safety: Warmth Without the Worry

Space heaters can be a wonderfully frugal and convenient way to heat a small space. They’re also one of the leading causes of home fires when used carelessly. Fire doesn’t care if you were “just gone for a minute.” A space heater demands respect, attention, and a little common sense.

Start with distance. Anything that can burn—clothes, blankets, furniture, curtains—needs at least three feet of space between it and the heater. Crowding a heater is how cozy turns catastrophic.

Never leave a space heater unattended. Not while you’re running errands, not while you’re sleeping. If you’re not actively monitoring it, turn it off. Fires don’t announce themselves politely; they arrive loud and fast.

Plug space heaters directly into the wall. Always. Extension cords and power strips aren’t built to handle the heavy electrical load and can overheat quickly. That heat doesn’t stay contained—it spreads.

Placement matters. Heaters should sit on flat, level surfaces on the ground. No tables, no beds, no balancing acts. A tipped heater is a hazard unless it has an automatic shut-off feature, which is a must-have.

Before each use, check the cord. If it’s cracked, frayed, or damaged in any way, the heater is done. Retire it. Using damaged electrical equipment is gambling with fire.

Keep kids well away from space heaters. Curious hands and high heat are a dangerous combination. And never touch an electric heater if you’re wet—water and electricity have never been friends.

Sources:
Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI)
https://www.esfi.org/home-heating-fire-prevention-tips/

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
https://www.nfpa.org/downloadable-resources/safety-tip-sheets/electric-portable-space-heater-safety

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/heaters.pdf

01/28/2026

⚠️ The nights will be very cold this weekend. ⚠️ Please help us get the word out about warming shelters and places to donate items for our community members in need: www.thurstoncountywa.gov/news/hazardous-weather-event-declared-nights-saturday-january-24-and-sunday-january-25-2026

*For Donations:

Interfaith Works is accepting donations on Saturday 1/24 and Sunday 1/25, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 a.m. and regularly on Tuesdays-Fridays from 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. at Sergio’s Place, 3501 Mary Elder Rd NE (Sergio’s Place donation collection entrance). No parking on Martin Way.

Items needed: blankets, twin/single bed sheets, ramen, non-perishable snacks, instant coffee, creamer, sugar, hot tea, hot chocolate, disposable cups and utensils, socks, long johns, underwear, tarps, ponchos, hand warmers, sleeping bags, tents, gloves/mittens, hats, warm clothing.

OlyMap accepts donations Monday-Friday from 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at their office in the basement of First Christian Church 701 Franklin St. Olympia, WA 98501. Drop off donations at the OlyMap office underneath the stairs, below the sanctuary.

Items needed: ramen and cup-of-soups, non-perishable snacks, handwarmers, socks, long johns, underwear, ponchos, hats, gloves/mittens, warm clothing, tarps, blankets, sleeping bags, buddy heaters, and green propane tanks.

01/28/2026

Starting in February 2026, our department will be offering a free 6-week in-person support series that offers a safe, gentle space for parents who have experienced any type of pregnancy loss, including early termination, miscarriage, or stillbirth. Each session is guided by compassionate facilitators who honor every journey and welcome each participant’s unique experience of grief. Whether newly navigating loss or having carried it quietly for years, all are welcome here. https://ow.ly/PKFZ50XyiZa

01/26/2026

We’re restocking our shelves and could use your help! 👶 We’re currently in need of new or gently used 3–6 month sleepers and newborn boys’ clothes.

As a reminder, our drive-up donation drop-off is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 AM – 2 PM. If you're an online shopper, we do have an Amazon wishlist - https://a.co/4bAPIDw!

Shoot us an email at donategoods@stepbystepfamily.org if you have any questions! Thank you!

01/26/2026

Hey Dads!
Come hang out with other fathers who are walking a similar path. Our Dad to Dad Support Group is a fun, supportive space where you can share, learn, unwind, and build connection.
https://www.ssp2p.org/dad-to-dad-support

01/21/2026

There are still openings for this amazing infant massage class! Starting this Friday. I can't recommend this class enough.

I’m so excited to offer my 4-week Infant Massage Class at TrueSelf Yoga in Olympia again 🦋

When: on 4 Fridays, January 23rd through February 13th, from 11:00 AM–12:00 PM.
💛 Two of our classes will include special guest speakers and will extend until 12:30 PM.

Infant massage is a beautiful way to deepen your bond with your baby, support digestion and sleep, and build confidence in reading your baby’s cues. This class offers a calm, nurturing space to slow down, connect, and learn gentle techniques you can use every day at home.

✨ Perfect for parents wanting intentional connection
✨ Supports relaxation, comfort, and communication
✨ A lovely way to meet other families in a supportive setting

Spots are limited, so reach out soon if you’d like to join. I’d love to share this special time with you and your baby 🦋

Register at:
www.doulaolympia.com

01/19/2026

01/13/2026

3:15 is available today (Tuesday 1/13). Text the office if you want it; it just opened up. (360) 302-6285. Existing patients only.

01/13/2026

Rise and Shine ☀️

01/13/2026

We are now offering FREE car seat inspections for families at our Lilly Road building. Fill out this form to request an appointment to ensure your baby and/or child is riding correctly in the car! https://ow.ly/OtkX50TVVy5