Gesa ‘Stock-the-Sock’ gift drive begins
JOEL MARTIN | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 5 months, 3 weeks AGO
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

A few extra steps can prevent a kitchen tragedy
MOSES LAKE — One of the most dangerous things you can do at home is also something most people do every day. “If you look at the statistics, cooking is the leading cause of home fires,” said Travis Svilar, battalion chief with Grant County Fire District 5. The data from the Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office bears that out. Last year, Washington fire agencies responded to more than 700 structure fires that had started in the kitchen

Folk and Food Festival returns to Soap Lake
SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake Folk and Food Festival will have some changes the second time around. “This year we decided to have it a month earlier because last year on that day it was 100 degrees and higher,” said Ruthann Tobiason of Friends of the Lower Grand Coulee, which sponsors the event. “We know it kept a fair number of people away … We actually had a performer back out at the last minute because it was too hot and dang, I don’t blame her.” Last year’s one-day event drew a respectable turnout for an inaugural effort, enough that it’s been expanded to two days this year, June 20-21. Friday’s festivities will be homegrown, with an open mic at the Soap Lake Community Center and open mic followed by live music from Rebel Hearts at Cloudview Kitchen.

‘Whiskey Rebel’
Novel draws on Moses Coulee for isolated setting
MOSES LAKE — Out in the high desert country of Moses Coulee, it’s easy to imagine that strange things are happening just over the next ridge. There’s something peacefully secretive about the area northwest of Ephrata in the southern part of Douglas County, as though time stopped there and nobody was around to notice.