|
Washington farm supply stores collect
aid for Klamath Basin Convoy to deliver donations for water-deprived community in crisis WALLA WALLA, Aug. 10, 2001 -- Agricultural supply stores in Dayton, Kennewick, Pasco and Walla Walla will serve as drop-off points for donations to be delivered to charities in the Klamath Basin. Four stores will collect food and money for the southern Oregon community in economic distress. The donations will be picked up August 19 when Montana citizens concerned about the effects of the federal Endangered Species Act make a stop in Walla Walla en route to a rally in Klamath Falls, Ore. Dubbed "The Convoy of Tears," participants will depart August 18 from Kalispell, Mt. carrying jugs of water (tears) as a symbolic gesture for 1400 Klamath Basin farm families in crisis after having their irrigation water turned off by federal officials. More substantial aid in the form of food, animal feed and money will also be delivered when the convoy reaches its destination August 21. The caravan will join other convoys from California and Nevada in Klamath Falls, where a full day of fundraising activities is planned. Participants along the route are being asked to contribute small jugs of water marked with their name and town, which will be poured on farmers' parched fields. A $5 donation for each jug delivered is being requested by the organizers. Anyone wishing to join the caravan in their own vehicle is encouraged to do so. Additional trucks may be needed to haul the aid. The convoy is expected to arrive in Walla Walla Sunday, August 19th, at noon to pick up donations at L&G Ranch Supply, 2930 Isaacs Ave. Money, animal feed, food, clothing, school supplies and items for auction are being accepted. Donated items should be in very good or like-new condition. Checks can be made out to Klamath Relief Fund and mailed to Klamath Relief Fund P.O. Box 5252 Klamath Falls, OR 97601 or delivered to one of the four stores listed below. The immediate goal of the Klamath Relief Fund is to raise $20 million to help farmers save their livestock and farms for another year. Communities across the West are holding auctions, raffles, food drives and other events to support the effort. More information regarding the convoy effort and the Klamath Basin water crisis is posted on the web at http://klamath.50megs.com For further information contact: Steve Washam: klamath@computermail.com 509-522-2783 or Mark Klicker: 509-520-7370 The stores accepting donations are listed below. *** Donations need to be received by the close of business Saturday the 18th. *** Columbia County Farm Bureau Store 207 N. 3rd St., Dayton 509-382-4743 Pasco Ranch & Home Supply 516 N. Oregon Ave., Pasco 509-547-5513 Kennewick Ranch & Home Supply 845 N. Columbia Center Blvd., Kennewick 509-737-1996 L&G Ranch Supply, 2930 Isaacs Ave, Walla Walla 509-525-3730 Contacts: |