Press Room
Students share goodwill by helping those less fortunate
Local schools have been graciously sharing their goodwill this holiday season by offering a variety of support to recent flood victims and other less fortunate families.
Two of the most affected flood areas were Boistfort, Washington and Vernonia, Oregon. Students from Woodland High School spent a full day in the worst parts of Boistfort handing out clothing and food to families and even crawling under homes in the mud pulling out soaked insulation and debris. “I was struck by the fact that the kids really had their heart in it. They were a fantastic ambassador of our community,” praised Michael Green, Woodland superintendent. “Everybody in Woodland should be proud of our kids. Pictures really can’t reflect what’s happening out there, it’s a lot wetter and muddier than it looks,” said Woodland School Board President, Jim Bays, who also volunteered.
The Washington State School for the Blind contributed to this area as well by collecting donations at their December Winter Holiday Program. The School for the Blind Foundation is also working with the Boistfort Lions Club and community outreach services to obtain additional needed items such as clothing and food for citizens.
Ridgefield High School students collected more than 2,000 pounds of food which they donated to the Vernonia relief efforts. As part of a class competition, RHS sophomores brought in more than 1,000 pounds of food to donate. Their overall collection was so much greater than expected they are also contributing to Union Ridge Elementary low-income families, Neighbors Helping Neighbors in Ridgefield, St. Vincent de Paul, and a women’s shelter in Vancouver. “The project just kind of exploded, I can’t believe we collected over 2,000 pounds of food,” said Karen Pohl, RHS senior. Also lending support to Vernonia residents are Canyon Creek Middle School students in Washougal School District. The students conducted a food drive called, “Line the Halls with Cans and Boxes of Food.” The students’ goal was to line the main hall of the school with cans and boxes of food stacked two high. More than 60 boxes of food was then delivered to residents of Vernonia and welcomed with open arms, and warm hearts.