The Whatcom Community College Communication Club is making a difference locally as an active participant in the statewide "Thank First Responders Day," which was started by the Tacoma Pierce County Association of Realtors Outreach Committee on Nov. 30, 2009.
The date was chosen, according to the club's press release, because it is the day after the shooting of five Lakewood police officers.
The WCC club has been involved for the last two years, "adopting" the Ferndale Police Department in 2010 and Station 6 of the Bellingham Fire Department for 2011. This is the station that responds to calls that come from the college.
Since public servants are not allowed to accept monetary or expensive gifts, club members share food, drinks, and their sincere gratitude with the men and women who risk their lives to keep our community safe.
Club president Melisa Nelson added, "As the daughter and niece of firemen, I know firsthand how physically and emotionally draining the job can be. These men and women often don't receive our thanks until after they come through some of the worst experiences humans can have, yet they continue to show up for work. I feel passionately that we need to thank our first responders. It is amazing what a simple, heartfelt 'thank you' in a non-emergency situation can do. This is why I chose to participate in this event, and I feel fortunate that the members of the Communication Club have chosen to get involved."
More "Thank First Responders" information is on the web at thankfirstresponder.com.
WECU DISTRIBUTES $17,648 IN DONATIONS
Whatcom Educational Credit Union's Social Responsibility Committee made $17,648 in donations in October, according to its press release.
Gifts were: $1,500 to Big Brothers Big Sisters; $1,489 to Sean Humphrey House; $1,250 to Visiting Nurse Home Care - Friendly Visitors; $1,098 to Max Higbee Center; $1,000 to ARC of Whatcom County, Assistance League of Bellingham, Bellingham Central Lions, Kulshan Community Land Trust, WWU Foundation - Woodring College of Education, The Other Bank; $980 to Love INC; $960 WWU Money$ense; $750 to Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services; $500 to ALS Association, American Museum of Radio and Electricity, Hearing Loss Association of Whatcom, Whatcom County Council on Aging - Bellingham Senior Activity Center, Northwest Washington Association for the Education of Young Children; and $250 to Whatcom Women in Business.
The next deadline for non-profit requests is Wednesday, Nov. 9. Applications and further information about the Social Responsibility Committee is available at wecu.com or by contacting Maya Hartford at maya.hartford@wecu.com.
UNITED WAY PRESIDENT TO PARTICIPATE
United Way of Whatcom Count President Peter Theisen is one of 30 nonprofit executives from across the state who will participate in a peer group coaching program thanks to a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Participants will meet twice a month for six months, via Skype, to provide nonprofit leaders with innovative resources and tools to be more knowledgeable, confident and impactful in their communities.
"I'm excited to be a participant and look forward to collaborating with other non-profit leaders here in Washington State as we look for creative solutions to address the growing needs in our communities," Peter said in a press release from United Way.
