Homebuilder’s “Build Joy” initiative leads to $1,000 worth of household items and toys for the Holiday Shop at the YWCA Clark County

Paul Valencia
ClarkCountyToday.com

The giving season continues to inspire in Clark County.

Whether it is adopting a family through a charity organization, pledging money to a food bank, or donating items to a shelter, Clark County residents are doing their part to make a difference during the holidays.

On Friday, employees from Taylor Morrison donated $1,000 worth of goods to The Holiday Shop at YWCA Clark County.

Throughout the month close to 130 families in need, who have been impacted by violence and other adversity, can “shop” for their families for free at the Holiday Shop. This allows parents to be part of the gift-giving process and pick out special gifts for their children.

“Taylor Morrison, as a company, does this thing called ‘Build Joy.’ You can submit an idea of how you’d spend $1,000 in your community,” said Jennifer Lopez, senior purchasing agent with Taylor Morrison, a homebuilder in several states, including Washington and Oregon.

Lopez’s proposal was selected. She and her colleagues split up the $1,000 to purchase household items such as towels and kitchen appliances, toys for young children, and headphones and other electronics for teens. 

Lopez grew up in Clark County and has always appreciated the mission of the YWCA. 

“I’ve known people who have directly benefited from the organization,” Lopez said. “I wish the need wasn’t so great, but it is.”

December is the chaotic finish of one of the YWCA’s yearly projects, with The Holiday Shop.

“We start talking about holiday shopping in August,” said Erin Stepanek, community relations officer at the YWCA Clark County.

YWCA officials reach out to several local companies, looking for donations or sponsorships. 

When she learned about Taylor Morrison’s donation, Stepan was thrilled.  

“This is amazing,” Stepanek said when she learned of Taylor Morrison’s gift. “When she called and told me, I was just amazed.” 

 Lopez said she is grateful to work for Taylor Morrison, which is always trying to give back to the community. Taylor Morrison offices recently had a competition food drive, and the company donated more than 650 pounds of food to the Vancouver Share House.

“We want to make an impact. We want to let people know we are part of the community,” Lopez said.

In fact, the people who dropped off the gifts at the YWCA on Friday were all Taylor Morrison employees who live in the area.

“We are Clark County,” Lopez said.

And Clark County gives to those in need.