WAGAP plans an interactive GivingTuesday

From Washington Gorge Action Programs

By Tammy Kaufman,

Skamania and Klickitat County, WA (November 15, 2023) – This year’s season of giving campaign, Two for GivingTuesday, will kick off at Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) beginning Tuesday, November 28, 2023. 

“We are inviting community members to stop by Stevenson, Bingen, and Goldendale Housing offices to say hello and pick up two free WAGAP shopping bags,” said Jennifer Pauletto, associate director. “The first bag is for them to keep, and we ask that the second bag be returned filled with items that support WAGAP programs for those in need.”

The bags will be available ongoing and include lists of the top items requested for the Food Bank Network, as well as things most in need of emergency housing and domestic violence assistance programs. 

All donated items in both lists below must be new, unopened, and in original wrapping.

Food items in need:

 -Canned meats,

 -Canned and dried fruits,

 -Canned vegetables,

 -Canned and dried beans,

 -Canned stew, chili, soups, and broths,

 -Pasta, rice, cereal, and cornmeal,

 -Cooking and olive oils,

 -Canned tomato products,

 -Spices and sauces.

Non-food items in need:

 -New and unopened toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush, toothpaste, body wash, bar soap, deodorant, and make-up removal wipes,

 -Feminine hygiene products like tampons and pads,

 -Diapers (sizes 3/4/5 needed most),

 -Socks and gloves,

 -Sets of full-size sheets,

 -Dish towels/cloths,

 -Bath towels/washcloths,

 -Laundry detergent/pods,

 -Dish soap,

 -Clorox wipes.

WAGAP also hopes to raise $100,000 in donations to support children and families between Thanksgiving and the end of February. Pauletto said these donations offer the agency flexibility in responding to the needs of the community and that end-of-year giving is a vital part of its overall financial foundation.

“Supporting families is key to our communities’ success,” Pauletto said. “We are so grateful for every contribution made to put food on the table and a roof over the heads of children in need. And providing simple items on the most needed lists help people to maintain their dignity during difficult times.”

Pauletto said there are many programs and seasonal activities that community members, businesses, service organizations, local agencies, and local governments can easily participate in to make a difference in their neighbors’ lives. 

“In addition to the Two for GivingTuesday free bag program, we also have the Tree of Joy gift-giving program, as well as Coats for Kids and the Winter Warmth Service Project, all going on now,” Pauletto said. “There are so many opportunities to help.” 

Year-round activities are also a way to get involved beyond the season of giving, Pauletto said. She invites community members to learn more about WAGAP’s programs and volunteer opportunities in Skamania and Klickitat Counties through its website https://www.wagap.org/ and encourages everyone to participate in GivingTuesday and share their generosity throughout the year.

WAGAP bags can be picked up and returned at three WAGAP offices. In Bingen at 115 W Steuben Street, Stevenson at 683 Rock Creek Drive, and the Goldendale Housing Office at 150 W Main Street. For more information, call (509) 493-2662 extension 200 during regular business hours.

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Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit Community Action Agency that helps individuals, families, and communities. WAGAP addresses basic human needs, including food, shelter, energy assistance, and more, in Skamania and Klickitat Counties. For more than 50 years, WAGAP has helped people help themselves and reach self-sufficiency. Learn more at wagap.org, or contact WAGAP at (509) 493-2662 or info@wagap.org.