WAITSBURG-Last Friday, the Washington State Penitentiary Employee Association (WSPEA) presented the Waitsburg Resource Center with a $500 donation.

"Originally, the money was intended for the flood relief efforts," said President Lanny Adams. "By the time we were able to meet with the correct organizations, they had a surplus of donations. We decided it would be best to hold onto the money and get it into the community through another entity."

The WSPEA is an organization within the Washington State Penitentiary (WSP), focused on giving back to employees, their families, and their communities. With more than 500 members, the organization funds scholarships for WSP employees and their immediate family members provides morale-boosting events like Fourth of July celebrations and staff breakfasts and offers assistance for communities affected by natural disasters. The organization is funded by monthly contributions from members.

"Some people contribute $2.50 per pay period, some people go as high as $10," said Adams. He added that the WSPEA offers assistance to the more than 1,000 Penitentiary employees, including contract employees, but there are perks to being a contributing member.

The WSPEA spends roughly $2,500 in gift certificates for Walla Walla Valley restaurants and businesses for its members each year. Still, Adams said that the organization plans to double the gift card purchases this year. He hopes that the extra gift cards will help compensate families that have experienced layoffs and other hardships resulting from the global pandemic.

"We want the money to stay local," Adams said. "It seems like the Resource Center has a good idea of how they are going to spend the money!"

The WSPEA board has three seats filled by Waitsburg residents. Including Ann Adams and Lisa Morrow, who both serve on the board of directors. Jason Kaehler, of Prescott, serves as the WSPEA secretary.

With the holiday season quickly approaching, Pam Conover said that the Resource Center is planning on changing up their holiday basket distribution slightly to accommodate the coronavirus restriction, hoping to keep people as safe as possible. Some of the WSPEA donation will be used to supplement holiday baskets for local families in need.