Gesa donates more than $24,000 to Moses Lake schools

MOSES LAKE — Student activities in the Moses Lake School District got a boost last week, as Gesa Credit Union handed Moses Lake High School and Vanguard Academy more than $24,000. 

“These dollars are important to what we're doing and important to our students,” Shannon said.  

The funds were raised through Gesa’s Affinity Debit Card program, which allows members of the credit union to select a debit card that supports a cause or organization they care about, according to Gesa’s website. Every time a cardholder swipes a card affiliated with Moses Lake High School or Vanguard Academy, a portion of the transaction goes to that school. 

“Over the course of the year, those numbers accrue,” Shannon said. “And then … they deliver those checks to their partner schools around the state.” 

The money is earmarked for student activities, Shannon said. MLHS Athletic Director Loren Sandhop and Vanguard Academy Principal Matthew Stevens will determine how to allocate the funds within their schools, he added. 

Gesa Credit Union offers Affinity Cards for 61 K-12 schools statewide, according to its website. Ephrata High School also participates in the program. 

Moses Lake School District has participated in the program since 2018, Shannon said. District patrons interested in supporting the schools through a Gesa Affinity Card can pick up a flier in the front office of either Moses Lake High School or Vanguard Academy. 

    Gesa Credit Union Education Partnership Specialist Evan Buelt, left, holds a facsimile of a Gesa Affinity Debit Card with Vanguard Academy Principal Matthew Stevens.