Friday, December 19, 2025
30.0°F

Gesa ‘Stock-the-Sock’ gift drive begins

JOEL MARTIN | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 year AGO
by JOEL MARTIN
Joel Martin has been with the Columbia Basin Herald for more than 25 years in a variety of roles and is the most-tenured employee in the building. Martin is a married father of eight and enjoys spending time with his children and his wife, Christina. He is passionate about the paper’s mission of informing the people of the Columbia Basin because he knows it is important to record the history of the communities the publication serves. | November 22, 2024 2:40 AM

RICHLAND — Gesa Credit Union announced Wednesday the beginning of its annual “Stock the Sock” gift drive.  


From now through Dec. 9, community members are invited to donate gifts through Gesa’s digital wish list on Elfster or by dropping off new, unused toys at any Gesa branch location. All donated gifts will be distributed to support the efforts of local hero groups, including firefighters, law enforcement, educators, healthcare workers, and veterans, as well as to various community organizations helping families and individuals in need this holiday season, according to the announcement. 


Gesa’s Moses Lake branch is located at 721 S. Pioneer Way. 


In addition to the gift drive, Gesa is partnering with Triumph Foundation, which empowers individuals with spinal cord injuries, and Gifts of Hope, an organization dedicated to providing support and resources to those in need, according to the announcement. Gesa team members will shop for items to benefit local children and families, which will be distributed to these organizations to help further their mission.  


This year, Gesa aims to collect 500 gifts across the Pacific Northwest, according to the announcement. Community members can track the campaign’s progress on Gesa’s social media channels, where updates will be posted on the collection goal and stories of impact. Examples of gifts to donate include stuffed animals, books, puzzles and gloves.  


Donations gathered at Gesa branches will be distributed to those in need by local hero organizations across the region, according to the announcement. Locally, the distribution point will be the Salvation Army’s Moses Lake Service Center, 212 S. Alder St.  


“The holidays are a time to come together, and we’re honored to join our local heroes and community partners in creating a special season for families who need it most,” Brandon Allison, AVP of Training, Education and Community Outreach at Gesa Credit Union, wrote in the announcement. “Seeing the community rally together every year is truly inspiring — each donation, whether a toy or a warm coat, is a reminder of the kindness that connects us all. Thanks to the generosity of so many, we’re able to make a bigger impact and bring even more joy to others this season.” 


For more information about Gesa Credit Union’s involvement in the community, visit https://www.gesa.com/community


Stock the Sock 

Nov. 20-Dec. 9 

Gesa Credit Union 

721 S. Pioneer Way 

Moses Lake 


ARTICLES BY JOEL MARTIN

‘Our favorite time of year’
December 19, 2025 3:30 a.m.

‘Our favorite time of year’

Shop with a Cop brings smiles to both children and officers

MOSES LAKE — The heavy police presence outside local stores recently wasn’t because of a crime wave. It was police officers engaging in their favorite annual event. “This is one of those times throughout the year that we don't have to go and ask for volunteers to help,” said Moses Lake Police Chief David Sands. “The first day we put it out, I think we got 20-some people say ‘Yeah, we’re in.’ That's just under half the department right away.“

BASIN EVENTS: Dec. 19-27
December 19, 2025 3 a.m.

BASIN EVENTS: Dec. 19-27

COLUMBIA BASIN — It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and a lot of people will be spending time at home with their families or at the church of their choice. Still, there are a few things happening around the Basin. Here are some ideas:

Chimney maintenance is essential for safety
December 19, 2025 3 a.m.

Chimney maintenance is essential for safety

MOSES LAKE — With Christmas just around the corner, lots of folks are using their fireplaces for warmth, roasting chestnuts or just a pleasant atmosphere. But before Santa pays your chimney a visit, you should make sure it’s in good working order. Chimney fires are responsible for more than three-fourths of residential building heating fires, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. Regular inspections and cleaning are the best way to prevent that, said Michael Harper, known as The Chimney Guy. “If they’re using (the fireplace) aesthetically – date night, Christmas, New Year’s, show-off times, something in the background here and there, (they should) have it inspected once a year for peace of mind,” Harper said. “If they’re using it two to three days a week religiously through the winter months, they need to have it cleaned once a year.”