Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 25, 1999
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Locke praises, awards council for its aid to farmworkers

OLYMPIA - Gov. Gary Locke has awarded the North Columbia Community Action Council with a Governor's Certificate of Appreciation for the group's efforts to aid more than 5,000 farmworkers during recent harvests in three Central Washington counties.

The council has served Grant, Adams and Lincoln counties for more than 30 years. Locke lauded the organization for its "exemplary" assistance.

The council's workers:

- Provided farmworkers with vouchers to receive medical services and medicine through a local clinic. Families with sick children also were provided housing.

- Distributed more than 2,500 gallons of disinfectants and 4,000 gallons of water to farmworkers.

- Made almost nightly visits to more than 20 farmworker sites to distribute blankets and personal hygiene items, such as toothbrushes, toilet paper and diapers.

- Provided farmworkers with gas and minor car-repair assistance.

- Bought food to supplement a local foodbank that assisted farmworkers.

"The council's workers demonstrated great compassion for people who otherwise would have been forgotten in a time of need," Locke said. "This group also brought together many people in the local communities to reduce hardships. They are an example for others to follow."

The state's Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development funds many of the council's activities for low-income families, including emergency services, homeless shelters, energy assistance, minor home repairs, legal services and affordable housing.

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