The center provides assistance with food, household supplies, toiletries, and clothing
The Ridgefield Family Resource Center (RFRC) provides community-wide support for school age children and their families. Over the past two years, the pandemic has caused a dramatic increase in the need for the RFRC’s services. Because the Ridgefield Family Resource Center is 100 percent reliant on donations, they could use your help in providing support to families in need.
The pandemic caused many families to face hardships like job loss, illness, food insecurity, and more. People who never anticipated they would have to ask for help found themselves walking through the Ridgefield Family Resource Center’s door.
“We understand that unexpected hardships can happen to anyone,” said Christine Poppert, RFRC coordinator. “We want people to know we are here to offer support for all families.”
The Ridgefield Family Resource Center provides assistance with food, household supplies, toiletries, and clothing. In addition, they offer a bridge to other community services like counseling and support groups, and to other nonprofit organizations like Compassion 360, Neighbors Helping Neighbors, and the Clark County Food Bank.
Unfortunately, the needs in the community have remained high, with many families needing assistance.
“Sometimes you just can’t afford the groceries you need until the next paycheck, or to fill the gas tank to get to your job,” said Poppert. “We get it. You might never have needed us before, but we’re here for you if or when you do.”
There are a number of ways you can help the Ridgefield Family Resource Center meet the community’s needs.
Food and toiletry donations
Below are some of the ongoing needs that are always in high demand. Donations of these items are always welcome.
- Quick individual meals and snacks (e.g. single packs of beef jerky, mac and cheese cups, meal bars, tuna or chicken cracker packs, fruit bars, applesauce pouches)
- Cereal
- Peanut butter
- Pasta and pasta sauce
- Canned meats (tuna, chicken, etc.)
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Deodorant
- Laundry detergent
“If you see something on sale for a good price, maybe buy two and donate one to the Family Resource Center. Or sign up for the Green Bag Project and fill a grocery bag every couple of months. Every little bit helps,” Poppert said.
Monetary Donations
Monetary donations can be sent by check, with RFRC on the memo line, to the Ridgefield Family Resource Center, c/o Ridgefield School District, 510 Pioneer Street, Ridgefield, WA 98642. Donations can also be made online at https://wa-ridgefield-lite.intouchreceipting.com/ by selecting “District Office” from the drop-down menu under “School,” and then selecting “Family Resource Center” from the section labeled “Item.” Note that there is a small processing fee for online donations. “Not everyone wants to donate goods,” Poppert explained. “And if it’s easier to write a check or call us to make a donation, that’s fine. We welcome everyone’s support.”
Gift card donations
“We are always in need of gift cards for families’ other needs,” Poppert said. “Right now, there is a huge need for gift cards for gas. But we welcome any kind of gift card. Maybe you have one that has been sitting in your wallet for a while. There is probably a family here that can use it.” Gift cards can be sent to the Ridgefield Family Resource Center c/o Ridgefield School District, 510 Pioneer Street, Ridgefield, WA 98642.
Other donation ideas
Poppert welcomes creative donations. “Think about the things you need or like as a family, and chances are, there’s another family out there that needs the same thing.” Extra items from your monthly subscription bags, like makeup, moisturizers, socks, razors, or snacks are always popular. Pet food products are another need that people might not think to donate.
Poppert is deeply grateful for the ongoing support the Family Resource Center receives from the community. “The Ridgefield Public Schools Foundation donates its proceeds every year from the Turkey Trot run to us. And other groups, like Sunset Ridge’s leadership students, have hosted supply drives for us. It all helps. And I want to send a big thank you to the community for helping us help others.”
Those who need assistance, can contact the Ridgefield Family Resource Center at (360) 619-1412 or email christine.poppert@ridgefieldsd.org The RFRC is located in portables C and D between the RACC (located at 510 Pioneer Street) and Union Ridge Elementary School. Hours are Mondays from 1–5 p.m., Wednesdays from noon-4 p.m., and Thursdays from 1:30–6:30 p.m.
Information provided by Ridgefield School District.
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