From Washington Gorge Action Programs:
By Juan Reyes
Bingen, Wash. Nov. 5, 2026 — Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP), Goldendale Giving Tree, and Skamania County Christmas Basket Program are partnering to make Christmas much brighter for families in both Klickitat and Skamania County. Relying on the support of community members, businesses, and various organizations, the different programs have provided gifts, food, and joy to families in need in both counties for years.
"Coordination of a Christmas project requires substantial personnel time and resources," says Juan Reyes, Associate Director for Washington Gorge Action Programs. “Last year, with the support of the community, we were able to help almost 500 children in both counties”. Similarly, the Goldendale Giving Tree was able to provide gifts to over 300 children.
Community collaboration has always been one of WAGAP’s core missions. “How do we help support programs that already exist and are already doing the work, and not recreate the wheel?” asks Reyes. During a time when funding has become scarce and grants more competitive for non-profit organizations and programs, Reyes added, “Being able to work with the two Christmas Programs, Goldendale Giving Tree and the Skamania County Christmas Basket Program, is very exciting!”
“The goal this year is to work together to serve families without having to compete or ask for support from the same community members. But instead make sure that all the donations are helping each program directly and effectively so that even more children are able to participate and receive gifts and food,” shares Reyes. This partnership will extend beyond the donations. “We will be able to support each other with coordination and volunteerism to help make the lift much lighter for each of us.”
Families in Goldendale can apply to the Goldendale Giving Tree starting the first week of November. Registration applications can be picked up at Pat’s Place at 105 W Main St. in Goldendale and WAGAP Housing office Goldendale at 150 W. Main St. right down the street.
Families in Skamania County can apply online for the Skamania County Christmas Basket Program starting November 2nd online at the following website: https://www.skamaniacounty.gov .
For Klickitat families not in Goldendale, the WAGAP Tree of Joy Program is now open until November 13th, 2026. To register, please visit WAGAP’s website or Facebook page for the QR code, drop by any WAGAP office, or register online at https://forms.gle/B6xf3HLRngQCvK919 .
For anyone interested in donating or sponsoring the projects, ways to support are below:
WAGAP:
Online - https://www.wagap.org/donate-english. Select "Tree of Joy." Mail - Checks can be mailed to Washington Gorge Action Programs, PO Box 805, Bingen, WA. 98605. (note “Tree of Joy”)
Goldendale Giving Tree:
Please contact Taletha Wagoner at (509) 493-3716.
Skamania County Christmas Basket Project:
PayPal - @skacochristmasbasket
Mail - PO Box 1009, Stevenson, WA 98648
Please contact (509) 427-3980 ext. 3 for any questions.
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Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit Community Action Agency that helps individuals, families, and communities. WAGAP addresses basic human needs, including food, shelter, energy assistance, and much more, in Skamania and Klickitat Counties. For 60 years, WAGAP has helped people help themselves and reach self-sufficiency.
Learn more at wagap.org, or contact WAGAP at (509) 493-2662 or info@wagap.org.
