Friday, November 22, 2013
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COMMUNITY
Page A9
GOOD THINGS F O R T H E H O L I DAYS !
Find a world of tasteful, artistic & collectible gifts at Contributed photo
Bank employees stand amongst the items collected during last year’s giving tree drive. They begin each year in the summer to purchase large items like microwave ovens.
HOLIDAY TREE CONTINUED FROM A8
the foster parents want that.” So that’s when the Independent Living Services program comes into play. Hinman said when a foster child turns 15, they participate in classes to learn independent living skills, such as opening a bank account, balancing a check book, how to pay bills, how to look for a job, etc. “This is the time when we help them get ready to live on their own,” he said. “And then, from ages 18 to 21 they remain a part of the program and we help them transition to live on their own.” A big part of that is making sure that these kids graduate from high school or get their GED (General Educational Development)certificate. Hinman said more than 90 percent of those in their Independent Living Skills program graduate from high school or get their GED. “Statistics say that 50 percent of the people who are homeless in the U.S. were once in the foster care system,” Hinman said. “What we’re trying to do is prevent that. We’re working with the kids while they are still in foster care to see that they have the skills to be independent and not end up homeless.” There’s other needs, too. In a typical family, when a child turns 18, his or her parents set them up with an apartment or dorm as they head off to college or to begin a job. In the fos-
ter care world, that doesn’t happen. “They need everything from a bed, to a microwave to a coffee pot,” he said. “And they need help paying rent and deposits until they get an income.” That’s where Columbia Bank comes in. While West Sound Youth for Christ has received $54,000 this year from a U.S. Department of Commerce (Consolidated Homeless) grant to help with housing kids who are leaving foster care, that money is used to pay deposits and first month rents. To date, 27 transiting foster care kids have been helped. But their other needs have been met year-toyear through a holiday gift drive at Columbia Bank. The bank sets up a giving tree at their location at 10100 Silverdale Way NW, Silverdale. Stars hang on the tree telling of the needs of the transitioning foster care kids. It may be an alarm clock, a set of pots and pans, linens, grocery gift cards, or even a warm winter coat. Bank customers and the general public are invited in to take a tag and return with the item and put it under the tree. Bank employees give generously, too. “Because of what they do, our kids don’t have to worry about having the basic things,” Hinman said of Columbia Bank’s giving tree. “They can focus on going to school or to work and creating successful lives for themselves.”
This is the fifth year that Columbia Bank has had the giving tree, he said. Most years, more than 100 items are given and are distributed by the staff at West Sound Youth for Christ. “We make sure that what each of our kids get is something that they really need,” he said. “Kids don’t just get stuff given to them. Everything is very intentional, to match their needs.” The spirit of the giving means a lot to the kids and to Hinman. “They collect a ton of gifts,” he said. “It doesn’t matter if you have an account there or not. The community has been so wonderful and they’ve shown that they love our kids. How awesome is that?” Each year clients and others know to come in to Columbia Bank and check out the tree because the branch is involved in other community events like the Silverdale Rotary’s Whaling Days Duck Race. “We have a very giving community,” BrooksGivens said. “Everybody just feels good about what they’re doing to help out.” And she said for her it’s her way of paying it forward. “People helped me and now I’m helping people,” she said. To contact the bank call 360-692-6196. To contact Hinman, email westsoundyfc.org, or call 360-3771899.
SPRINGHOUSE GIFTS & DOLLS
Stop in and see our large selection of Snowbaby ornaments! Visit this great store & Victorian Tea Room at 1130 Bethel Avenue in Port Orchard • 360.876.0529
The Ultimate Man (or wife) gift! The Big Green Egg is the most unique barbecue product on the market with more smoker and grill capabilities than all other conventional cookers combined. Starting at just $550.00
CUSTOM HEARTH 2 Locations to Serve You!
3301 W. Hwy 16, Port Orchard, WA 98337
360-373-1332
18657 Hwy 305, Suite A, Poulsbo, WA 98370
360-779-1331
GIFT YOUR FRIENDS & FAMILY WITH FOOD, FIRE, & FUN AT FUJIYAMA
BUY $50 IN GIFT CARDS, GET $10 GIFT CARD FOR FREE! BUY $100 IN GIFT CARDS, GET $20 GIFT CARD FOR FREE!
FUJIYAMA
JAPANESE STEAK HOUSE & BAR 9989 Silverdale Way NW, Silverdale (360) 692-5888 • www.fujiyamawa.com
To feature your “Good Things for the Holidays” in this space, call one of our advertising representatives at 360-308-9161 today.