Feel Good Friday: Back-to-School Help, Health-Education Support, and a Zoo Birth

Ascend Hospitality Group, Amazon Distribute Hundreds of Free Backpacks, School Supplies

Bellevue-headquartered Ascend Hospitality Group and its partner, Amazon, recently held their sixth annual AHG Has Your Back event, during which hundreds of backpacks were distributed to local kids. About 700 students affiliated with five area nonprofits gathered in downtown Bellevue to pick up free bags and school supplies at the carnival-themed “Dream Big” pickup party. Get more details here.

Is Busyness Stealing Your Season of Stillness?

We often think of the sun and summer months as an invitation to go, go, go. But columnist LaEisha Howard has been wondering lately if summer can also be a season that permits us to slow down. Health Officials Encouraging Blood Donations Amid ShortageWashington health officials are urging eligible residents to donate blood as hospitals across the region contend with a critically low blood supply. Find out how you can help here. EvergreenHealth, Monroe School District Team Up for Career-Training CourseEvergreenHealth Monroe recently launched a new Certified Nursing Assistant program at Monroe High School, which, in partnership with Monroe School District, will provide students with a direct path to health care careers. Learn more here. Woodland Park Zoo Welcomes New Penguin ChickWoodland Park Zoo‘s penguin colony has a new member. Late last month, resident Humboldt penguins Merlin and Tucker became parents to a female, the zoo recently confirmed. Get more details about the yet-to-be-named chick here.