WSU Extension 4-H staff Linda Williams, left, Tony Dell, Darleen Munson, Carey Roos, Betsy Fradd, Scott VanderWey and Carol Beckman with donations collected for the Helping Hand House in Pierce County.
PUYALLUP – A month-long “giving celebration” at WSU Extension Puyallup resulted in boxes of supplies being donated to assist families in need in Pierce County.
WSU Extension 4-H led the effort in February to provide food, pillows, diapers and other essentials to the Helping Hand House in Puyallup.
“It’s encouraging to be able to help families who need the basics to get back on their feet again,” said Pat BoyEs, director of WSU Extension 4-H.
Started in 1984, Helping Hand House serves 250 families a year and provides rental and utility assistance to homeless and nearly homeless families with children living in Pierce County. With training and skill-based instruction, an average of 75 percent of families moves into their own housing with income that will support their households.
WSU Extension 4-H, Washington’s largest youth development program, serves more than 90,000 kindergarten-12th grade students annually. More than 6,500 volunteers work with youth in each of the state’s 39 counties.