Still time to donate to Warms Hearts Winter

MATTAWA — There is still time for Columbia Bank customers and other residents of this community and surrounding area to give the bank’s Warm Hearts Winter Drive.

Columbia Bank launched the annual Warm Hearts Winter Drive to benefit homeless shelters in communities across the Northwest on Nov. 21. It will accept cash donations and new winter wear as it aims to raise $160,000 for people in the Northwest impacted by homelessness.

Donations may be submitted at WarmHeartsWinterDrive.com and both cash and warm winter attire can be donated within all Columbia Bank branch locations across Washington, Oregon and Idaho.

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the number of people experiencing homelessness in the Northwest has increased six percent since 2015. There are 34,000 people struggling to receive essential services and stay off the streets.

“Thousands of families in our communities are homeless this winter, and those living on the streets have a much higher risk of exposure when it is cold and wet outside,” said Melanie Dressel, President & CEO of Columbia Bank.

“The purpose of the Warm Hearts Winter Drive is to continue to raise awareness of this growing issue, and we are hopeful that our customers and employees will join together again to help these deserving organizations and the people they support.”

Columbia Bank employees and local communities collected nearly 12,000 items of winter wear and raised more than $150,000 to benefit 53 homeless shelters in the Northwest last year. One hundred percent of the clothing and funds collected during 2016 will be donated directly back to 49 shelters and relief organizations in the communities where the collections originated.

“For many men, women and children in our community that are experiencing homelessness, the holidays can be a time of loneliness and difficulty,” said Executive Director Andrew J. Porter, Tri-City Union Gospel Mission.

“But because of the thoughtful donations from community partners we will be able to give hope to countless individuals and families by providing a joyous holiday season.”