Just a few of the many things to be thankful for in our community

Valley Giving Guide open to support Columbia County nonprofits

DAYTON-The Valley Giving Guide, an annual year-end fundraiser to bring donations and attention to the incredible nonprofits making a difference in the area, is live for the 2021 season.

The Valley giving Guide is a tool for local nonprofits to raise money, attract new donors, and expand their marketing programs. Like any tool, the more effort put into using it, the more benefit you will receive.

The Giving Guide supports any 501c3 nonprofit located in Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield or Umatilla counties, or regional organizations with a substantial presence in one of the listed counties, are eligible to participate.

Project Timothy, located in Dayton, is one of the many nonprofits that participate in the Giving Guide. Established in 1990, Project Timothy provides assistance to residents of Dayton, Waitsburg, and Starbuck, with a focus on single mothers and families with school-aged children.

Financial assistance offered through Project Timothy includes emergency housing, emergency food, rental assistance, utility assistance, and transportation assistance.

Here are the organizations that you can contribute to through the Valley Giving Guide:

Project Timothy is open Tuesday through Friday, 12 p.m - 2 p.m, inside St. Vincent de Paul, on Main Street in Dayton. All are welcome with dignity and respect: https://tinyurl.com/2sb2epbp.

Blue Mountain Counseling of Columbia County, https://tinyurl.com/7x8wtnw

Columbia County 4-H Youth Development: https://tinyurl.com/m5t9my9s

Columbia County Children's Fund (Innovia Foundation): https://tinyurl.com/vwah5cyv

Community Food Bank of Dayton: https://tinyurl.com/fun26rwn

Dayton Development Task Force: https://tinyurl.com/35ry6bvd

Dayton Historical Depot Society: https://tinyurl.com/35jnxcfy

Friends of the Dayton Memorial Library: https://tinyurl.com/x2trk9rw

Visit http://www.valleygivingguide.org to see the complete list of eligible nonprofits. Donate today to give back to the organizations that help communities thrive.

Coat Drive happening now in Waitsburg

WAITSBURG—The Waitsburg Christian Church is hosting a Coat Drive through the end of the year.

Donated new and gently used cold weather coats and other gear, including hats, gloves and mittens, and scarves, will be provided to school children and families in need.

To arrange a pick up or drop off, or if you are in need of a coat or other items, contact Debbie Crenshaw by text or call, (480) 414-4373. Items may also be dropped off at the Waitsburg Christian Church on Sunday, between 9:30 a.m and 122 p.m. Coats will be handed out as donations are received.

Customer appreciation lunch at Sam’s Corner on Nov. 24

WAITSBURG—Stop by Sam’s Corner, 715 Preston Ave., on Wednesday, November 24, for a “thank you!” chicken and rice meal.

Sam Kumar, owner of Sam’s Corner, will be busy serving up lunch from 12:30 p.m - 1:30 p.m, just in time for holiday travels. He wants to say thank you to all of his customers for their support throughout the year.

Waitsburg Elementary first graders donate 200 pounds of food

The class blew their goal of 100 items out of the water

WAITSBURG—Leading the spirit of giving in the valley is, without a doubt, the Waitsburg Elementary School’s first grade class.

They wrapped up the fifth annual food drive on Tuesday and delivered more than 240 canned and boxed goods to the Waitsburg Resource Center. Their original goal: 100 items.

“They went way over and beyond by collecting 243 items to donate, weighing in at 200 pounds,” said their teacher, Stephanie Hinchliffe. “Pretty awesome and makes me super proud. Such a good life lesson for all to learn- the importance of giving to those that are less fortunate.”

Hinchliffe said that each year, she reads a book about a first-grade class that does a food drive, and she asks if her class should do a drive. The answer is always a resounding “Yes!”.

The donated goods will help boost the Resource Center’s holiday-dinner baskets, available to families in need of a little extra help. The deadline to sign up for Christmas Food Baskets is December 2. Sign-up sheets are available at the Resource Center, as well as the Waitsburg Christian and Presbyterian churches.

The Waitsburg Resource Center is always open on Thursdays, from 2 p.m- 4 p.m.

St. Nick’s Bazaar coming to Prescott December 4

PRESCOTT—Mark your calendars! The third annual St. Nick’s Bazaar is coming to Prescott in just two weekends.

Nearly thirty local vendors will be offering fun, one-of-a-kind shopping experiences on December 4, from 10 a.m- 3 p.m, at Skyrocket Church, 202 E 2nd St. Vendors include A-Ron’s Rustic Designs, Pepper Preppers, LLC, Hummingbird Tea, Baked Black, and ALazyK Leather.

The church cafe will be open in the morning, and Walla Walla-based Italian food truck, Pasagna To Go, will be serving lunch. Skyrocket Church will be hosting a raffle to benefit a to-be-announced fundraiser.

Be sure to bring the kids, too! Santa will be making a stop for photos from 10 a.m- 2 p.m.

Further details can be found on the event’s Facebook page, “3rd Annual St. Nick’s Christmas Bazaar.” Event organizer Jessica Ruffcorn, owner of Country Chic Boutique, has been posting Vendor Highlights each day.

Swing on through Prescott for fun finds and a great time!

Waitsburg Festival of Trees

WAITSBURG—It is that time of year for businesses, clubs, and community groups to participate in the Festival of Trees. Waitsburg FFA provides the tree stands and trees, and participants provide the creativity that may win them a trophy!

The trees are available for a $30 donation to the Waitsburg FFA. This year they are also selling 24” Nobel Fir wreaths for $25. Contact Nicole Abel at nabel@watisburgsd.org to reserve your tree and buy a wreath.

Be sure to take a tour of the decorated trees between December 5 – 25 on Waitsburg's Main Street, and vote for your favorite!

Christmas Kickoff in Dayton Nov. 26, 27

DAYTON—Fireworks, hayrides, and great shopping are just a few things to be found at the Dayton Christmas Kickoff this weekend.

Friday, November 26 will kick off with the Festival of Trees, followed up by the Ugly Christmas Sweater 5K Dash. Live reindeer will stop by at 12 p.m, and mule-drawn hayrides will start up at 10 a.m (previously listed at 1 p.m).

Friday will finish up with a lighted parade, starting at 6 p.m, followed by the Tree Lighting Ceremony and fireworks.

Both Friday and Saturday will have plenty of local shopping available at the Historic Dayton Depot, Church Parish, and on Main Street.

Main Street Tree coming to town November 27

WAITSBURG—Columbia-Walla Walla Fire District 2 will be bringing classic holiday cheer to Main Street over the weekend.

The fire department has a long history of picking out a beautiful Christmas Tree every year, and volunteers gather to set it up just outside of the Plaza Theater. Once the tree is up and the lights are lit, students from Waitsburg School District will be busy making ornaments and decorating it throughout the holiday season.

The 2021 tree will be delivered on Saturday, November 27, with the time to be determined.

Veterans Benefit and Bingo

Come to Waitsburg's Town Hall for Bingo and Prizes. Doors open at 11:30, games start at noon. Three cards for only $1 or $20 for twenty games. This event is sponsored by the American Legion Auxilary.