SILVERDALE — In the aftermath of the worldwide Women’s March demonstrations, a group of people in Kitsap formed the Women’s March Kitsap Huddle, a group intent on keeping informed and staying involved — not just in resistance to the new administration, but also in helping the community grow.
In that vein, the Kitsap Huddle has teamed up with the Immanuel Presbyterian Church in Tacoma for a book and stuffed animal drive, new and gently used, to donate to children visiting family at the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma.
“The Immanuel Presbyterian Church in Tacoma routinely collects food, clothing, stuffed animals and books for the family members of people who have been detained at the NW Detention Center in Tacoma,” said a representative of the Women’s March Kitsap Huddle who wished to remain anonymous.
“Each month, the church partners with the NWDC Resistance Group to provide these items … I heard about the event through Facebook and rallied our local huddle to take part.”
The group is collecting new and gently used books in English and Spanish, as well as stuffed animals, through April 1.
Drop off is open from 8-10 a.m. April 1 at the Bucklin Hill Starbucks, or at the house of one of the Huddle’s members (email womensmarchkitsap@gmail.com for details).
“I think we all want to do our part to help the immigrant families who are going through a difficult time right now under the current administration,” the Huddle representative said, “and as the result of the practices of the last administration.
“I reached out because I wanted to help, and our local Huddle is brainstorming multiple ways to help on a variety of causes, not just regarding immigrant and refugee rights. It feels good to do something tangible for people, in addition to calling our representatives, posting articles on Facebook and mailing postcards.”
For more information about this drive, visit www.womensmarchkitsap.com or contact womensmarchkitsap@gmail.com.
Michelle Beahm is a reporter with the Kitsap News Group. She can be reached at mbeahm@sound publishing.com.
