Westside Stories

I am continually impressed by the generosity of our community. I have recently learned about several projects and contributions taking place behind the scenes that deserve recognition.

First is the Lenten project at Naselle Lutheran Church. For the second consecutive year, a group of women from the church has been providing food for the Westend Food Pantry at Johnson Park. Held on Tuesdays, the Lenten gatherings feature lunch and Bible study, as well as the assembly of dry soup mixes. These mixes include kits for making split pea, chicken noodle, lentil, and curly pasta soups. Additionally, the group prepared s'mores kits for families, which will be included in the Easter boxes distributed by the food pantry. This year, they delivered over 120 soup mixes to the pantry. The supplies for these mixes were purchased with a grant from Thrivent Financial, individual donations, and funds from Priscilla Circle. The group is committed to helping neighbors in need and recognizing that food insecurity remains a persistent issue. They are aware of how quickly the mixes disappear from the shelves at the food pantry and encourage other groups to find ways to contribute as well.

Okies Market has made generous donations to the food pantry, providing a large supply of dried and canned goods, personal care items, and other food products. These contributions have been essential in keeping the food pantry's shelves stocked for families in need. Expressing her gratitude, food pantry coordinator Diane Hollenbeck said, "The community should be very proud to have such a generous local grocery store that supports its residents. We extend our heartfelt thanks to them. Please be sure to thank them the next time you are in the store."

An anonymous benefactor has donated funds to purchase 60 hams for the food pantry's Easter meal boxes. Okies Market has ordered the hams and will store them until they are ready to be distributed on Thursday, April 17. All 60 Easter meal boxes have already been spoken for as of now.

Last week, a group of women in Naselle came together to prepare for the Easter Egg hunts scheduled for the end of April. Organized by Audrey Ullakko, these local volunteers purchased all the necessary candy and dedicated their time to sorting and filling 4,000 plastic Easter eggs. The local chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha (ESA) also contributed $250 towards the purchase of candy and prizes for the hunts.

Sponsored by the Finnish American Folk Festival of Naselle, the Easter Egg hunt for children in fifth grade and younger will take place on Saturday, April 19 at 10 a.m. at Naselle School. Due to a scheduling conflict with prom, the Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt for kids of all ages will be held on Saturday, April 26 at 9 p.m. at Okies Park. Prizes are still needed for both events. Suggested prizes include gift cards, chocolate bunnies, large candy bars, and small toys. For more information or to drop off prizes, contact Jennifer Boggs at juboggs@wwest.net.

Westside Happenings

April

11 – Messy Art, Naselle Timberland Library, 3:30 p.m.

15 – NGRV District School Board Meeting, school library, 6:30 p.m.

19 – Easter Egg Hunt, 5th Grade and younger, Naselle School, 10 a.m.

26 – Cemetery Forum at Naselle Community Center, 9-11 a.m.

26 – Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt, all ages, Okies Park, 9 p.m.

May

2 – Adults Create, Naselle Timberland Library, 3:30 p.m.

9 - Messy Art, Naselle Timberland Library, 3:30 p.m.

4 – Chicken Dinner at Rosburg Hall, noon

17 – American Legion Breakfast at Rosburg Hall, 8-11 a.m.

To include an event on the calendar or to give feedback, contact me at writerlisayeager@outlook.com or follow me on Facebook @ Writer Lisa Yeager.