Youth & Family Link
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Our Community Support
 
Throughout the years the community support of the Toutle River Ranch/Youth and Family Link has remained steadfast, with the goal of helping children and families live a better life. This Cowlitz County philosophy, this sense of community connection and integrity, where people care about each other, has endured and grown as we enter our fifth decade of community service. It continues to be a remarkable achievement, and is reflected in the on-going support by the Lake Guild, the River Ranch Guild, and the Toutle Ranch Thrift Shop. From the beginning, committed, enthusiastic and energetic Cowlitz County citizens have dedicated themselves to the vision of Toutle River Ranch/ Youth and Family Link.

In the early 60's, several volunteer guilds were created to facilitate fundraising activities. The volunteers raised money, created community interest, made cookies, sewed curtain ...anything and everything to make their dream a reality. In 1963 the Guilds joined forces to create the Toutle Ranch Thrift Shop, a quality resale shop that is dedicated to raising funds for Toutle River Ranch/ Youth and Family Link. Two guilds, the Lake Guild and the River Ranch Guild, and the Toutle Ranch Thrift Shop, continue this vital support.


Created in 1962, the Lake Guild meets the second Thursday of every month at the Longview Country Club. The Lake Guild holds an annual Wine Tasting and Silent Auction. Each member of the Guild volunteers one day a month to staff the Toutle Ranch Thrift Shop. The Lake Guild members personally make stockings at Christmas and Easter Baskets at Easter, as well as contributing to the back to school coat fund and maintaining the Youth and Family Link children's library. 

Created in 1963, the River Ranch Guild meets the second Wednesday of each month at the Link House. The River Ranch Guild holds a Champagne Brunch each May. Each member of the River Ranch Guild volunteers one day each month to staff the Toutle Ranch Thrift Shop. The Ranch Guild donates gifts at Christmas, provides a Mother's Day brunch, and contributes to the back to school coat fund.


The Toutle Ranch Thrift Shop, located at 1212 Commerce Avenue in Longview, has been a major resource for the programs of Toutle River Ranch. Since its establishment in 1963 by members of the guilds with generous support from the community at large, the Thrift Shop has provided funds to help achieve the Toutle River Ranch vision. Staffed entirely by volunteers, the Thrift Shop cleans, refurbishes, and resells gently-used, donated items.

After the original Ranch was destroyed in the flooding caused by the eruption of Mt. St. Helens, the Thrift Shop helped purchase the land where the Ranch was rebuilt. In 1997, when Toutle River Ranch changed its services from group care to community service in Cowlitz County, the Thrift Shop provided most of the funding to purchase and remodel the Link house in Longview. In addition, the Thrift Shop purchased several vehicles for use by the staff in serving the needs of the children and families.

All funds earned at the thrift shop are due to donations and volunteer services. The Toutle Ranch Thrift Shop contributes its funds to Toutle River Ranch/Youth and Family Link for capital needs such as vehicles and facilities.

 
 
 
907 Douglas, Longview WA 98632 * * * (360) 423-6741 *** TTY 711
 
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