Submitted by Rene Carroll
The IMPACT CW (Camas-Washougal) food box distribution program, organized by St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Washougal, helps hundreds of Camas and Washougal families with summer food supplies. Now in its seventh year, the event continues to evolve to respond to COVID challenges and growing needs.
“In previous years, we have collected food donations and packed food boxes all at our community event,” said Beth Raetz, St. Matthew Lutheran Church Office Secretary. “However, due to Covid restrictions, last year we went completely digital and only collected monetary donations to purchase and deliver local grocery gifts cards to those school families in need.”
This year the event is a hybrid. The group will be collecting money only and pre-purchasing selected foods in addition to grocery gift cards for each family. They will hold a food box packing event on June 6th from noon to 2pm at the Parker’s Landing Historic Park with the pre-purchased items. “We really missed the hands-on community participation last year; so, there is great excitement to be able to get together again to pack boxes even though we will not be receiving food donations at that time. And while we won’t be having the community barbeque, we hope to bring it back next year.” Volunteers will be asked to stay socially safe and follow current guidelines for mask wearing.
IMPACT CW plans to assist approximately 150 families from both the Camas and Washougal School Districts. They work directly with the school staff and counselors to help provide these gifts from the community. “We want to give a shout out to them for all of their support and assistance because it does add extra work for them at the end of the school year,” Raetz said.
So how can you help?
- Help sort and package food boxes at the packing event on Sunday, June 6
- Help deliver food boxes to Camas-Washougal Schools on Monday, June 7
- Give a financial gift (to pre-purchase all the food and gift cards).
The goal is to raise $12,000. Donors can give at a GoFundMe account. Checks can be made out to St. Matthew Lutheran Church and mailed to 716 Washougal River Road, Washougal, WA 98671 or dropped off Tuesdays-Fridays 9:30 am – 12:30 pm.
“We are so grateful for how generous our community is in helping us to provide these meals to families who are struggling,” Raetz said. For more information, contact Raetz at the church office at 360.835.5533.
