Building Community – Ways to Contribute this Holiday Season
For many the holidays are about caring, connection, and generosity. We look for ways to express these values with family, friends, community, and the greater world we live in. While we strive to make the world a better place every day, the holidays present extra opportunities to reach in our hearts and express love, whether it is by volunteering for a local organization, attending a charity event, finding a way to donate, or finding a meaningful gift for your loved ones that keeps on giving when you support those in need. Let’s not forget those in our community who could use a little extra love during this time and throughout the year.
At Wet Planet, we support a variety of causes through attending events and donating to fundraisers (there are many raffles around town where you can win a rafting trip with us!) Throughout the year, we also help host and coordinate the annual White Salmon River Fest benefiting local non-profit organizations that protect the river, and work closely with First Descents to present life changing adventures to young adults impacted by cancer. We encourage you to get involved, supporting these or local upcoming events, donation centers, and non-profits to choose from to share that love!
Brendan Wells presenting the SHARE the White Salmon River film at the Annual River Fest Symposium
Upcoming Events
Holiday Open House
The Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum, December 2nd
Enjoy free admission at the museum from 9 AM to 5 PM. Share what you can to help the less fortunate by bringing a non-perishable food item, blanket, or winter coat to donate to local families in need.
Good Angel Gala
Good Medicine Healing Arts Center, December 2nd
Celebrate the holidays with a festive evening of music, shopping, and fun. 10% of all proceeds will benefit the Hood River County Christmas Project, and a $10 donation or toy will be collected at the door.
A Christmas Carol
Wyeast Middle School, December 2-3, 8-10, 15-17
The whole family will love this holiday classic presented by the local theater company, Plays for Non Profits. This holiday season, ticket proceeds will benefit Hood River County Christmas Project and Washington Gorge Action Programs Food Banks. Tickets are available at Waucoma Bookstore, Mugs Coffee, and online.
For a chance to win a rafting trip on the White Salmon River, visit the Wet Planet sponsored events in the coming weeks include the Mt Hood Meadows Avalanche Dog Fundraiser on December 7th!
Local Non-Profits
Washington Gorge Action Programs
Help change lives in Skamania and Klickitat counties by volunteering or donating in one of their many projects. Donations help fund food banks, emergency housing, community youth centers, and more. No matter what you’re good at, they also have a volunteer opportunity for you, ranging from building with their housing services to helping with local youth.
FISH Food Bank
Serving the Hood River County, FISH helps make sure local families get fed. Donate food, crops, money, or volunteer to help both over the holidays as well as all year long. You can also purchase a commemorative brick as a charitable gift for your loved ones.
Hood River County Christmas Project
Bring some holiday cheer to our community by helping provide food and toy assistance to low income families in the area. Volunteer, donate, or attend a local event.
Hood River Shelter Services
As it gets colder outside, help make sure everyone has somewhere warm to sleep. As Hood River’s only shelter, HRSS also helps provide essential services such as meals, laundry, warm showers, bus passes, access to physicians, and more. You can donate cold weather gloves, sleeping bags, monetary support, or volunteer to help with the shelter’s needs.
Collection Centers
Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum
This year the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center is collecting donations that will be delivered to the residents of Lone Pine Village, an in-lieu tribal village in The Dalles lacking many basic necessities, including electricity and access to potable water. Collection items include clean drinking water, baby supplies, heating methods, gifts, and much more. A full list of donation items and more information on the Lone Pine Village is available here. Any extra items collected will be given to other in-lieu villages in the area. Both goods and monetary donations can be dropped off at the Discovery Center, or mailed to:
Indigenous Voices, 5000 Discovery Drive, The Dalles, OR 97058
Share the Warmth at local Windermere offices
Bring coats and blankets to your local Windermere office to help warm the community. Donations will be given to local shelters and charities.
Sharing the love and support of the First Descent’s community
Want to help out year-round?
Many of these organizations continue to need help and support outside of the holiday season. Sign up for monthly donations, or work volunteering into your schedule to make a difference in your community all year long.
No matter what you care most about, you’re sure to find an organization that supports it in your area. We love working with Friends of the White Salmon River and SHARE the White Salmon River in various efforts and events in our community, and encourage you to do the same!
Author Courtney Zink tries to share some love by helping coordinate the White Salmon River Fest, working with First Descents through Wet Planet’s programs, and is currently helping to coordinate the Good Angel Gala on December 2nd.
