During the past few weeks as the buildup to “Black Friday” begins, the focus has been placed on holiday shopping for kids, parents, grandparents and other relatives. But many local groups are once again hoping that giving spirit will reach a little further than immediate family this holiday season.
A number of non-profits, businesses, schools and other organizations are gearing up for their holiday fundraisers, food drives and efforts to collect gifts, clothing and other items for kids, adults and senior citizens alike.
The Camas-Washougal area’s largest food drive, Stuff the Bus, is well underway. Students from the Camas and Washougal high schools have been spotted at local grocery stores soliciting donations, and those efforts will continue though Friday, Dec. 5, when the bright yellow school buses will be filled with donations. Contributions will be doled out to the Inter-Faith Treasure House, Christmas Activities Relief Organization, American Legion, and the Children’s Home Society.
“Be a Santa to a Senior,” a partnership between Prestige Care, Meals on Wheels and Home Instead Senior Care, aims to provide gifts to senior citizens in the Clark County area who might otherwise receive none. The Camas-Washougal Chamber of Commerce, Riverview Bank in Camas and the Washougal Senior Center are among the locations where participants can select a gift request tag from a “purple Christmas tree.” Gifts will be distributed to Prestige Care residents in Camas on Dec. 16.
There are also many smaller, but very worthwhile, efforts going on as well. Windemere Real Estate, to name just one, is hosting its annual coat and blanket drive for kids and adults.
Keep an eye out on the pages of the Post-Record in coming weeks for information about these and other ways to make the holiday season special for everyone in the Camas-Washougal community.
