FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 15, 2024
Adams Elementary's Project 700 to Provide Winter Clothing for 260 Students Tomorrow
Yakima, WA — Tomorrow (Saturday, November 16, 2024), Adams Elementary School will continue its heartwarming tradition of Project 700, an initiative that equips students with essential winter clothing. Created and launched by the Salvation Army of Yakima, Project 700 has grown over the years with the goal of keeping children warm each winter. The project started as “Project 50,” serving just 50 elementary students, but has since expanded to support more than 700 children across the Yakima Valley, as more families face financial challenges.
This year, Adams Elementary, in partnership with community sponsors and volunteer shoppers, will provide winter essentials to 260 of its students. Starting at 6:30 a.m. on November 16, five buses will transport students from Adams Elementary to Old Navy. From approximately 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., each student, paired with a volunteer, will select winter clothing to keep them warm through the season. Upon returning to school, students will receive a new pair of winter boots, a winter coat, and enjoy snacks and treats.
“Project 700 is an event where we get to help our kids have their basic needs met and show our families we care. Each year we partner with over thirty-five businesses and numerous community members to fundraise and make a fun event where we can show our support. We have grown this event each year for over a decade; this year we are shopping for 260 students. This is only possible through our community partnerships. A special thank you to the Triumph Group for their fundraising and their help in organizing the event that makes shopping for over 200 students run smoothly. We are grateful for the legacy of this project and the impact it has for everyone that is involved, both big and small. It is so much fun to show our kids that we love them with this event! We look forward to carrying on the tradition for many years to come." Elissa Russell, Adams Elementary Counselor
While the Salvation Army of Yakima is not providing direct funding to Adams Elementary’s event this year, the project’s origins and spirit remain rooted in their mission to help families in need. Since its inception, the Salvation Army has worked closely with schools and community members to identify students who need winter essentials, relying on partnerships and community contributions to cover the substantial costs, which can exceed $60,000 annually.
The success of this year’s Project 700 event at Adams Elementary is thanks to the generosity of numerous community sponsors, including Triumph, Marsh McLennan Agency, Northwestern Mutual, Old Navy, Coca-Cola, and many others who have stepped up to support Adams Elementary students. (A complete list of sponsors is attached.)
Media is invited to cover this meaningful event at Old Navy tomorrow morning. Due to the languages spoken by students and families, a bilingual reporter would be especially valuable in capturing and sharing their stories. For general media inquiries, please contact Elissa Russel or Kirsten Fitterer. For real-time information during the event, Elissa can be reached at 509-945-6076.
Contact:
Elissa Russell
Counselor, Adams Elementary School
Email: russel.elissa@ysd7.org
Phone: 509-945-6076 (for event-day inquiries)
Kirsten Fitterer
Chief Communications Officer, Yakima School District
Email: fitterer.kirsten@ysd7.org, 509-581-5607
About Project 700
Project 700, originally established by the Salvation Army of Yakima, aims to provide winter essentials to students in need, ensuring they have the basics to stay warm during the cold months. The initiative has become a cherished tradition in the Yakima community, supported by a network of sponsors, volunteers, and families, and is now sustained by schools like Adams Elementary in collaboration with community partners.
A.C. Davis High School Invites Community to Celebrate Auditorium Remodel with Special Event
Yakima, WA — A.C. Davis High School is excited to invite the community to celebrate the completion of its auditorium remodel with a special event on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM. This event will be held at Davis High School and is open to the public. Parking is recommended in the upper parking lot on 7th Ave between Pine and Spruce. Local media are encouraged to spread the word, as this celebration is a unique opportunity for community members to experience the newly renovated space and appreciate its impact on the school and Yakima's history.
The event will feature remarks from leadership, performances by members of the Davis High School choir and orchestra, and a student video presentation highlighting the remodeling process. Thank you to the Davis Boosters, who will serve Hot Chocolate in the courtyard following the event.
As the last remaining piece of North Yakima High School, the Davis Auditorium holds historical significance for the Yakima community. This restoration ensures that the auditorium remains a vibrant space for student performances, school events, and community gatherings for years to come.
Event Details
- Date: Wednesday, December 4, 2024
- Time: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
- Location: Davis High School Auditorium; park in the upper lot on 7th Ave between Pine and Spruce
- Interpretation: Spanish and ASL interpretation will be available
We encourage community members to join us for this memorable event and look forward to celebrating together. Media outlets are invited to cover the event and to advise their audiences to attend.