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.
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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.
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The Lake Guild:
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. |
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River Ranch Guild:
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. |
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Toutle Ranch Thrift Shop
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.
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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.
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Both Guilds also provide funding for
the children's additional clothing needs, for school supplies,
hygiene supplies, tuition fees for kids to participate in community
activities and for extra recreational needs for the children
and their families.
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