United Way of King County awarded the prestigious Spirit of Caring Awards on March 3 in front of a crowded ballroom at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue. Honorees included individuals and corporations who represented the best in giving and volunteering.

Costco Wholesale received the Spirit of Puget Sound Award, recognized as King County’s highest achievement in corporate philanthropy. The award honors outstanding community involvement, sustained campaign excellence, and the promotion of volunteerism.

For the 2009-2010 campaign season, the employees of Costco showed incredible heart, and boundless generosity. Chairman Jeff Brotman’s…

After a successful test run this past summer at two stores in New York City, Costco Wholesale will accept food stamps at least half of its stores by Thanksgiving, including its 23 stores in Washington.

About 420,000 families receive food stamps in Washington, up 30 percent from a year ago.

Before the New York pilots, Costco execs were skeptical that any of their customers would use food stamps. However, the tests showed that they would if given the opportunity.

“The rules are different today,”…

United Way of King County’s Climb for the Community begins July 5. Join these community leaders as they show their support for United Way’s Response for Basic Needs and climb to the top of Mount Rainier.

The climbers:

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