The YWCA Clark County can use your help this holiday season, whether you like to shop, volunteer or just donate funds. The Y is a chief local nonprofit agency serving survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, oppression, abuse and neglect. It serves nearly 12,000 people every year.
If you like to shop, you can obtain a wish-tag that’s been filled out by a needy YWCA client and then go shopping for that new gift. Drop of off at the Y by Dec. 15, and the gift will be included in the annual no-charge Holiday Shop the Y hosts for its clients. Stop by the Y at 3609 Main St. in Vancouver to pick up tags, or contact Erin Smiley at 360-906-9157 or esmiley@ywcaclarkcounty.org to have them mailed to you.
The Holiday Shop is a “giant undertaking, and we need volunteer support to run it smoothly,” said Y spokeswoman Sharon Svec. Last year, there were 70 volunteers and more than 400 participants. If you’re interested in helping out, contact Stephanie Barr at 360-906-9112 or sbarr@ywcaclarkcounty.org.
And if you prefer to make a direct donation, the Y is happy to accept it. A $30 donation provides one day of early childhood education in the Y’s Care Children’s Program for homeless or low-income families; $300 provides training for two Court Appointed Special Advocates who protect foster children’s rights. Visit ywcaclarkcounty.org/donate or stop by the Y on Main Street.
