Coming together for a season of giving

Shannon Steele, a retiree who volunteers for the Salvation Army, always smiles when ringing her donation bell outside the Fred Meyer at the intersection of 148th and Division streets.

Although she is typically ignored, Steele said she enjoys spreading holiday cheer to people no matter how much change is clinking in her red kettle.

Steele also understands that times are a little tougher this year, due to that national economic crunch—she doesn’t blame anyone for not wanting to spare the extra change this holiday, since they may be struggling too.

“Times are hard, but every dime counts,” Steele said. “You should feel good about any change you donate.”

As a shy young boy walked up and donated a dollar from his mother, Steele wondered aloud about what would be possible if everyone could make a donation.

“Can you imagine what it would be like if everyone was able to give their spare change from buying their own groceries?” she asked.

Over 200,000 people in Oregon per month receive emergency food boxes, many because food stamp rations are too small, according to current statistical information from the Oregon Food Bank.

In fact, 66 percent of those who used food stamps this year said they lasted them two weeks or less, according to the statistics. Furthermore, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported last year, 12.4 million of those in households where food is not guaranteed were children.

Aside from donations such as the Salvation Army, Loaves and Fishes, and The Oregon Food Bank, many local schools set up giving tree programs, which people can participate in by choosing the name of a child from a family in need and buying that child a gift.

The Salvation Army also has a giving tree program, called the Angel Tree program, which is located at different malls across Portland, including the Lloyd Center in city’s Northeast quadrant.

GET INVOLVED
For more information about local charity events, visit:
http://www.ringbells.org/
http://www.loavesandfishesonline.org/
http://www.mercycorps.org/
http://www.jfcs-portland.org/
http://www.redcross.org/

UPCOMING EVENTS

Making Spirits Bright  – Donations for Children’s Cancer Association
Bridgeport Village
7455 S.W. Bridgeport Rd.
Tigard, OR
(503) 968-1704
Dec. 06, 10 a.m.

Jingle Bell Run – Run for the Arthritis Foundation
1 World Trade Center
Portland, OR
(503) 464-8888
Dec. 07, 7 a.m.

“The Fireside Carolers” Benefit Concert for Loaves & Fishes – A portion of the proceeds go to Loaves and Fishes
The Multnomah Arts Center
7688 S.W. Capitol Hwy.
Portland, Oregon 97219
Dec. 7, 2 p.m.
$15 for general admission, $12 for seniors/children

Kazoo Christmas – Proceeds go to the Kinship House to help local foster kids
Bridgeport Village
7455 S.W. Bridgeport Rd.
Tigard, OR
(503) 968-1704
Dec. 13, 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.

Christmas Bazaar and Charity Fundraiser – A portion of the proceeds go the Crossroads Food Bank
Crossroads Church
2505 N.E. 102nd Ave.
Portland, OR 97220
Dec. 13, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Winter Wonderland at the Portland International Raceway – Proceeds go to local charities, event features food drive
1940 N. Victory Blvd.
Portland, OR 97217
(503) 823-7223
Nov. 22 through Jan. 1
$16 per car

Students4Giving Online Charity Auction – Help PCC students earn $10,000 for local charity
http://www.PCCstudents4giving.cmarket.com.
Dec. 1-Dec. 14, all-day event