Helping families and children is GivingTuesday focus for WAGAP
The Global Generosity Movement celebrated November 29, 2022
Skamania and Klickitat County, WA (November 17, 2022) – GivingTuesday will be celebrated throughout the world on Tuesday, November 29, 2022. It is a global generosity movement, transforming communities by unleashing the power of people and local organizations like Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP).
“We are able to provide families and children in need with a foundation that helps them live healthier and happier lives through the amazing contributions of our volunteers and donors,” said Leslie Naramore, executive director for WAGAP. “Their support and funding help our team put food on the table, a roof overhead, and so much more.”
Creating safe spaces for children and adults is a key function of any Community Action Agency. Over this past year, WAGAP has been working hard to address even more issues that directly affect families, like having more licensed, affordable childcare options, creating regional partnerships to address housing concerns, and helping people and communities to advocate for what they need.
“We couldn’t do this work without the backing of our community members, businesses, service organizations, and local agencies and governments,” Naramore said. “GivingTuesday is an opportunity for us to encourage even more people to contribute to their communities and for us to say thank you because we know that our most valuable resources are our friends and neighbors.”
Naramore said a wide variety of programs can use a donor’s time, energy, and financial support throughout the year. In addition to the food bank network, shelters, and housing programs, WAGAP services include energy assistance programs, care coordination, a community youth center, help for those in domestic violence or sexual assault situations, crime victim services, and youth substance use prevention programs.
“Giving people, especially parents, the opportunity to succeed and focus on their children benefits our entire community,” Naramore said. “These programs create a brighter future for generations to come.”
WAGAP hopes to raise $100,000 in donations to support children and families between Thanksgiving and the end of February. Naramore 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.
Donors will have local match opportunities to double their impact, and the team will share information throughout the season on social media and through letters to supporters. “Every act of kindness is important,” Naramore said. “We are grateful to be part of such a wonderful community where people help people.”
Naramore 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.
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Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit Community Action Agency dedicated to helping individuals, families, and communities address basic human needs, including food security and energy assistance in Klickitat and Skamania Counties. For more than 50 years, the organization has offered support services to help people help themselves and reach self-sufficiency. Learn more at wagap.org or, for additional information, contact WAGAP at (509) 493-2662 or email info@wagap.org.