Local organizations benefit from generosity

RITZVILLE - Caring Neighbors recently donated $9,500 to eight local non-profit organizations.

The Ritzville VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) was awarded $2,000 to assist disabled veterans.

"That was very gracious of Big Bend Electric and Caring Neighbors to award us that grant," VFW Commander Jeff Kissler said. "We are going to use the funds towards building a wheelchair ramp for a disabled veteran here in town who is a VFW member."

Kissler said they would begin working on the project this weekend.

"It came at the right time, with the cost of lumber so high. It is going to help out significantly with the construction," Kissler said. "Once we're done with that project, we will reach out to other veterans to see if there are any other medical devices they need."

The Othello Cancer Support Group was given $1,000 to help purchase gas cards for treatment transportation.

Spokesperson Carey Higley said cancer patients have to travel, sometimes weekly, to Spokane, Wenatchee or Tri Cities for treatment.

"The main thing we give out is gas vouchers, but we also give money for special dietary needs or things doctors have required patients to get, other than gas to get them to appointments," Higley said. "Caring Neighbors have given to us before, and we're very appreciative of the check, that's for sure."

Adams County Parks and Recreation received $500 to help pay for swim passes and lessons .

"We are so appreciative as a board to Caring Neighbors for their generous donation each year," Adams County Park and Recreation board member Krista Krause said. "We put those funds back into our community for lower income families who might otherwise not have the means to afford lessons or pool passes. Ritzville is such a generous community. Locals and other businesses give funding as well. We are so appreciative of any donations."

Krause said the board is hoping the county stays in Phase 3 and the pool can open it's doors "to our wonderful community."

On Monday, April 12, Governor Jay Inslee's office announced rolling three counties back to Phase 2, but Adams County remains in Phase 3. The next evaluation of counties is scheduled for May 3.

The Eagles No. 2739 Aeire/Auxiliary in Ritzville received $2,000 to help pay for safety equipment and security.

Lind/Ritzville School District was given $800 to help purchase emergency oxygen units (see articles in the April 7 and March 3 issues of the Journal for more information on this donation).

Washtucna School District received $600 to help with reading month activities.

Basin City Elementary received $600 to help with their literacy reading program.

Franklin County Fire District No. 5 was awarded $2,000 to assist with costs for a wildland fire engine.

Caring Neighbors, a non-profit entity established by Big Bend Electric Co-op, receives funding through co-op members who allow their electric bills to be rounded up to the nearest dollar and the change allocated to Caring Neighbors.