In response to the coronavirus pandemic and its continued impact on the most vulnerable in our communities, Baker Boyer chose to direct $32,500 in funding from its Legacy Giving Grant Program to be distributed to non-profits and organizations in Walla Walla, Milton-Freewater, Tri-Cities, and Yakima. Many are still facing increased demand for support brought on by the pandemic. These donations focus on food insecurity, providing support to low income individuals facing challenges of homelessness, access to healthcare, and those seeking refuge from domestic violence.

“Covid-19 has been particularly challenging for some of the most vulnerable in the communities we serve,” said Mark Kajita, Baker Boyer President and CEO. “We are all in this together. Baker Boyer cares deeply about our communities and want to do our part in helping everyone get through this unfortunate pandemic.”

Baker Boyer also provided support to vaccine clinics by buying lunches from local restaurants for volunteers in Walla Walla and Yakima. In addition, the bank bought EpiPens to have on sight at the Walla Walla vaccine clinic to increase safety protocols. This need was identified by vaccine clinic volunteer and Baker Boyer VP Anne Sumner, who is a former nurse.

This brings the total of additional contributions made to support those impacted by the pandemic from Baker Boyer to more than $142,000 since it started.

Here are the recipients of contributions made in 2021:

In Tri-Cities:

• Second Harvest — $5,000 to support increased need for food assistance, including specific programs such as the Hanford Feeding Families Fundraiser and Red Nose Day (in addition to the $5,000 donated earlier in the year).
• Grace Clinic — $2,500 to support the volunteers and staff that provide medical, dental, and mental health services to low-income uninsured residents of Benton and Franklin counties.

In Yakima: 

• YWCA – Yakima — $3,000 for its Domestic Violence Shelter needed to keep operations stable with increased demand for its services and PPE.
• People for People Meals on Wheels — $4,000 to help provide meals to seniors who are isolated at home.
• $700 – Yakima Rotary Food Bank to support its collection, storage, and distribution of food throughout the Yakima Valley
• $300 – Lunches provided to volunteers at vaccine clinic

In Walla Walla Valley:

• BMAC Food Bank — $5,000 to support its collection, storage, and distribution of food throughout the Walla Walla Valley
• Helpline — $1,400 to support of emergency social services for low-income and homeless households in Walla Walla County.
• Vaccine Clinic— $1,000 to purchase lunches from local restaurants for those volunteering their time to get our communities safely vaccinated.
• Walla Walla Health Department— $5,600 to purchase EpiPens to have on sight at the vaccine clinics.

In Milton-Freewater:

• Home Delivered Meals Program (CAPECO)— $2,500 to support seniors receiving home delivered meals.

Each year, Baker Boyer contributes nearly $200,000 in donations and sponsorships to support local nonprofit and community organizations and programs. Last year, this increased to over $300,000 in-light of the increases in funding to help manage the impacts of the pandemic.