‘Paws for a Cause’ collects gloves, socks for homeless at Apple Cup parties in Tri-Cities

RICHLAND, Wash. – A community engagement program at Washington State University Tri-Cities is collecting new gloves and socks at six businesses and during two Apple Cup viewing parties.

“We’re really trying to demonstrate warm hearts and warm hands for the Union Gospel Mission,” said Monika Moo-Young, chair of Cougs in the Community.

The program launched this fall with the “Paws for a Cause” campaign to support the Tri-City Union Gospel Mission, which serves the homeless and poor in Benton and Franklin counties.

Gloves and socks of all sizes — children, men and women — are needed. Donation bins are at:

• Kennewick: Tony Roma’s, 8551 W. Gage Blvd.; and The Country Gentleman, 9221 W. Clearwater Ave.

• Pasco: Gordon Estates Wine Bar, 5236 Outlet Drive; and Broadmoor RV, 9145 St. Thomas Drive.

• Richland: Frost Me Sweet, 710 The Parkway; and Sunwest Sportswear, 292 Wellsian Way.

Football fans are invited to bring socks and gloves to Apple Cup viewing parties being held Friday, Nov. 29, at Tony Roma’s and Gordon Estates Wine Bar. The WSU vs. University of Washington game in Seattle kicks off at 12:30 p.m. Admission is free, purchase your own food and beverages. Tony Roma’s has a family-friendly area in addition to the event in the lounge.

The Paws for a Cause donation bins will be picked up from businesses Monday, Dec. 2. Gloves and socks also can be delivered to Eadie Balint in the Office of Advancement and Regional Development at WSU Tri-Cities. Balint, vice chair of Cougs in the Community, can be reached at 509-372-7214 or ebalint@tricity.wsu.edu.

“Cougs in the Community is an initiative where we have a series of service-learning projects,” Moo-Young said. “These community engagement activities are for students, family members, alumni, faculty and staff to demonstrate good citizenship and being involved in the community.”

The committee includes community representative David Morgan of Versatile Design Studios, alumni representative Jayme Finch with Lutheran Community Services, faculty representative Sarah Newcomer in the College of Education, staff representative Brittany Woehle in the College of Arts and Sciences, student representative Dane Anderson, and Vice Chair Allison Rodgers in the Office of Student Involvement.

Learn about this WSU Tri-Cities program at tricity.wsu.edu/cougsinthecommunity. For information on the Tri-City Union Gospel Mission, visit www.tcugm.org.

Contact:

Melissa O’Neil Perdue, WSU Tri-Cities, Marketing and Communications Manager, cell/text 509-727-3094, moneil@tricity.wsu.edu