Rescource Center Helps with Emergecy Preparedness

WAITSBURG – One of the reasons the Waitsburg Resource Center doesn't refer to itself as a food bank is because its mission is to serve the community in as many ways as possible; not just by providing food, according to resource center treasurer Bret Moser. Most recently, the center added "emergency preparedness" to its resume of helpful endeavors.

Last week the WRC received a shipment of 60 emergency blankets that will be stored by Columbia-Walla Walla Fire District No. 2. The blankets, which are 30% wool, will be available for use by the community and fire department in case of emergencies.

District No. 2 Fire Chief Jim Callahan said the station's stock of blankets was nearly depleted a few years back when they were given out to a group of bicyclists who were caught riding in a hail storm and were beginning to suffer from hypothermia.

Callahan said the blankets will be useful in the case of a bus accident or for vehicles that break down in the winter as well as during major incidents like floods, windstorms, and power outages.

Moser said the WRC is currently researching a bulk purchase of flashlights that will be stored along with the blankets. Board members will compare battery and hand-generated options at their next board meeting.

Moser said that the resource center's outreach has grown immensely since it moved from its former home in the basement of the Presbyterian Church to its current location in the Banner Bank building on Preston Ave.

"It's really helped to become more accessible and more visible. We used to serve 20 families a month and now we serve an average of 124 families each month," he said.

In addition to providing approximately 1,000 lbs of food to families in need each month, the center has provided a summer activity program, lunches during school vacation, snacks for the summer reading program, dental visits, backpacks with hygiene and school supplies, and more.

The volunteer-operated resource center serves families who live in the Waitsburg and Prescott school districts. The center is open on Thursdays from 2-4 p.m. and Saturdays from 9-11 a.m.