Presents are sorted at the WAGAP Food Bank in Bingen before being distributed to families.
Contributed photoBINGEN — Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP), Goldendale Giving Tree, and Skamania County Christmas Basket Program are partnering to make Christmas much brighter for families in Klickitat and Skamania counties.
Relying on the support of community members, business, and various organizations, the different programs have provided gifts, food, and joy to families in need in both counties for years.
“Coordination of a Christmas project requires substantial personnel time and resources,” said WAGAP Associate Director Juan Reyes. “Last year, with the support of the community we were able to help almost 500 children in both counties.”
He said that the Goldendale Giving Tree provided gifts to more than 300 children.
Community collaboration has always been one of WAGAP’s core missions. “How do we help support programs that already exist and are already doing the work, and not recreate the wheel?” asked Reyes.
During a time where funding has become scarce and grants more competitive for non-profit organizations and programs, Reyes added, “Being able to work with the two Christmas Programs, Goldendale Giving Tree and the Skamania County Christmas Basket Program, is very exciting!
“The goal this year is to work together to serve families without having to compete or ask for support from the same community members. But instead make sure that all the donations are helping each program directly and effectively so that even more children are able to participate and receive gifts and food,” Reyes said. “We will be able to support each other with coordination and volunteerism to help make the lift much lighter for each of us.”
Families in Goldendale can apply to the Goldendale Giving Tree at Pat’s Place at 105 W Main St. and WAGAP Housing office Goldendale at 150 W. Main St.
Families in Skamania County can apply online at www.skamaniacounty.gov.
For Klickitat families not in Goldendale, the WAGAP Tree of Joy Program is now open until Nov. 13. To register, visit WAGAP’s website or Facebook page for the QR code, drop by any WAGAP office or register online at forms.gle/B6xf3HLRngQCvK919.
Donations accepted
Goldendale Giving Tree: Contact Taletha Wagoner at 509-493-3716.
Skamania County Christmas Basket Project: Paypal @skacochristmasbasket; mail a check to PO Box 1009, Stevenson, WA 98648; or call 509-427-3980 ext. 3.
WAGAP: www.wagap.org/donate-english (select "Tree of Joy"); checks can be mailed to Washington Gorge Action Programs, PO Box 805, Bingen, WA. 98605 (note “Tree of Joy”).
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