Editor,
As we reflect on the past year, 2024 was a time of incredible challenges, renewed hope and deep gratitude for our community, volunteers and partners. We were able to expand our services, deepen our impact and strengthen the bonds that make Woodland a place of compassion and generosity.
Our food pantry faced uncertainty with a decrease in grocery store donations, but with the support of local farms and food distributors, we doubled the variety of fresh produce and healthy foods offered. In 2024 we distributed hundreds of thousands of pounds of food, ensuring that every family that came through our doors had access to nutritious meals, and we couldn’t have done it without the dedication of our volunteers. In 2024, we were blown away by the 1,000 hours of service every month contributed by community members! From sorting donations and distributing food to assisting with fundraising events, our volunteers have been the heartbeat of
Woodland Action Center. A special shout-out goes to our local senior citizens and retirees. Their energy and enthusiasm was contagious, and they showed us all the power of maturity in action. We look forward to continuing this collaboration in the years ahead!
The year was filled with fun, connection and community pride, thanks to our annual events and new partnerships. Our partnership with Columbia River Camaro Club during the Planters Days Cruise-In & Car Show brought in nearly $10,000 in donations. Another major milestone was our collaboration with Clark College Arts Department and the Lewis River Golf Course who hosted our biggest Empty Bowls Fundraiser yet, raising over $6,000. We are incredibly thankful for the impactful support of the Cowlitz Tribal Foundation, the service-minded staff of Red Canoe Credit Union and The Reflector for sharing our work with the public.
The holiday spirit of giving was alive and well in Woodland, and we are grateful to everyone who donated both money and food and participated in food drives and employee-giving programs during the holidays. These partnerships have allowed us to continue serving the folks most in need in our community. Through our partnerships with Education Service District 112, Cascadia Tech, Goodwill and CAP, we have hosted many interns and employment trainees that have brought us added professional "people power" to our ranks along with providing valuable job skills to the participants.
We are filled with excitement and optimism for what 2025 will bring and looking ahead. We plan to continue expanding our services and finding new ways to support our neighbors. Our goal is to further invest in job training programs, affordable housing support and nutritious food, creating even more pathways to stability and empowerment for our clients.
The journey hasn’t always been easy, but with the love and support of our community, we’ve made a lasting impact. To everyone who has donated, volunteered or simply spread the word about Woodland Action Center, thank you. Here’s to a new year of growth, connection and kindness! Let’s continue to build a Woodland where everyone thrives.
DeeAnna Holland, board president
The Woodland Action Center Team
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