Want to help make the holidays a little brighter for families in Lane County who might be struggling this year? Do you have a little extra to give? There are a number of programs to help families in need this holiday season. Below are a few of these. (This is not intended to be a comprehensive listing so you may want to check other sources as well.) Click here for a PDF of the list.
Programs serving greater Lane County:
Valley River Center Giving Tree – sponsored by Active 20-30 Club of Eugene
Where: Near JCPenney in Valley River Center
When: Now through December 16, 2016.
How: Please take an ornament, shop for the gifts listed, and then return the unwrapped gifts to the big red box by the tree.
Toys For Tots – for all children up to age 13
Where: Any BiMart, Fire Station, Walgreens and assorted other sites: http://eugene-or.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/donate-toys.aspx
When: Now through Thursday December 8, 2016.
How: Drop off a new, unwrapped toy at any of the above locations.
St. Vincent de Paul – Holiday Joy program for affordable housing residents
Where and how: Contact Ashely Hensley at 541-743-7147 to learn more about sponsoring a family or individual for the holiday. This is a big project and there are about 100 people still in need of sponsorship. Ashely will provide you with all the information you will need to help make someone’s holiday bright!
When: Now through December 14th (gifts must be returned by 12/14).
Eugene Mission – A wellness center for the homeless
Where: Drop off donations to: 1542 West First Avenue, Eugene. Mail donations to: PO Box 1149, Eugene, OR 97440
When: Now through Christmas and beyond
How: Donate cash, blankets, sleeping bags, razors, new or lightly used clothing (socks, underwear and warm jackets). Especially needed right now – women’s underwear in all sizes.
ShelterCare – serving the homeless or nearly homeless
Where: Drop off donations at ShelterCare, 499 W4th, Eugene. M-F 8:30-4:30. Contact Cheryl at 541-686-1262, ext.324 for more info.
When: Now through December 20th at 499 W4th, Eugene. M-F 8:30-4:30. Contact Cheryl at 541-686-1262, ext.324 for more info.
How: Purchase a requested donation such as: bus passes, movie passes, grocery/fast food gift cards, gloves, hats and scarves and items and drop off before 12/20.
Programs serving specific areas:
COTTAGE GROVE
Cottage Grove Community Sharing
Where: Drop off items at 1440 Birch Ave, M-F, 11-3:30. CG 541-942-2176
When: Now through December 18th and beyond
How: Donate your non-expired, non-perishable food items at Community Sharing. Also needed are blankets, sleeping bags, warm socks, toilet paper and toiletries.
Cottage Grove Tree of Joy
Where: WalMart, BiMart
When: Now through Dec. 16th
How: Select a gift tag, shop for the gifts listed, and then return the unwrapped gift before 12/18.
CRESWELL
Creswell Tree of Joy
Where: Creswell Library, Banner Bank, Creswell Coffee Company
When: Now through Dec. 16th
How: Select a gift tag, shop for the gifts listed, and then return the unwrapped gift before 12/16. $30 gift limit.
ELMIRA/VENETA
Veneta/Elmira Holiday Food Box and SANTA Project
Where: Drop off donations during business hours at the Veneta and Elmira Post Office, Fire Station, BiMart, Ray’s and other business
When: Now through December 12th.
How: Donate non-expired food items and/or new, unwrapped toys in the barrels at the drop off sites.
FLORENCE
16th annual Siuslaw Glass & Mirror’s Tree of Giving
Where: Siuslaw Glass & Mirror in Florence Business Park on Kingwood St.
When: Now through December 14th.
How: Each ornament on the tree represents specific needs of teens in the Florence area… many of those requests are for basic necessities. Stop by Siuslaw Glass & Mirror today, have some holiday cheer, and pick an ornament off the tree. Then bring your gift back by December 14th so they can be distributed before Christmas Break.
Windermere Annual Coat and Blanket drive
Where: 3757 Highway 101, Monday – Friday, 9am to 5pm
When: Now through December 16th.
How: Donate new or gently used adult sized coats and twin sized blankets. Donations are distributed Siuslaw Outreach Services. For information: 541-997-5926.
3rd annual Florence Christian Church and Fred Meyer Food Drive
Where: Florence Fred Meyer Store
When: Saturday December 10th Noon to 4pm
How: Donations of non-perishable food items will benefit the Florence Food Share. Especially needed are donations of peanut butter, tuna, beef stew, mac & cheese, canned fruit, tomatoes, sugar, coffee, baby formula, and chili.
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