FFA donation drive ends next week

The Lind-Ritzville FFA chapter is participating in a community service project by collecting donations to benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Spokane. The chapter’s officers and advisors are traveling to volunteer their time serving breakfast and donate items to the organization on Feb. 22 as part of National FFA Week.

National FFA Week runs from Feb. 16-23, and provides chapter members with an opportunity to educate the public about the importance of agriculture. FFA members from across the country are encouraged to reach out to their communities through volunteer service and community service projects throughout the week.

The chapter is collecting specific items to donate, including food, kitchen and household items. Office supplies and gift certificates are also on the list. The fundraiser runs from Feb. 11 until Feb. 21.

The activities for the chapter include coordinating the donation drive for the RMHC, hosting a breakfast for RMHC guests and organizing a game activity for the children at RMHC.

The RMHC provides temporary lodging and support for families with children requiring medical services in Spokane. The RMHC supports three programs to directly benefit children and improve the overall health of families in the local area.

Food items for donation include individual granola bars, breakfast bars, trail mix, individual bags of chips, flour, sugar, regular or decaf coffee, tea and hot chocolate. Kitchen items include Pam cooking spray, clear large drinking glasses, commercial cookie sheets, oven liners and a stockpot.

For household items, the list includes Kleenex, fabric softener, hand sanitizer, tall kitchen garbage bags (strong), and Lysol bathroom disinfectant spray and cleaner. Office supplies include white copy paper, popup Post-It notes and legal pads.

Businesses with drop box locations for donations are Bob’s Chevron, Cow Creek Mercantile, Sterling Bank, US Bank, Ritzville Hardware, Les Schwab, Sunny Spot Floral and Gifts, The Journal, Lind Grade School, Ritzville Grade School, Lind-Ritzville Middle School, Lind-Ritzville High School, Jim’s Market and Columbia Bank.

For more information about the fundraiser, or for the list of items, contact Haley Oestreich, Ashley Ambers, Andy Williams, or Brad Gering at the Ag shop at 659-1630.