A season for helping

While our neighbors in need can use help year-round, we often think about it more around the holidays. Here's a selection of opportunities for us to share our bounty locally.

Clothes Closet at Lee Davies

Between December 1st and December 14th Lee Davies Real Estate on Barnes Road will be collecting specific donations for the Beaverton School District (BSD) Clothes Closet. The Clothes Closet is operated by volunteers from the School District's parent groups and the community to provide free clothing for students in grades K-12 from families with limited income.

Already this school year, the Clothes Closet has served over 1200 students, with approximately 12,000 items distributed- a 20% increase over last year and yet another indicator of the demand in our community. The Clothes Closet is especially in need of:

• Warm coats (all sizes welcome, but they are low on elementary sizes)
  NEW socks/underwear (again, all sizes welcome, but their supply of middle/high school sizes are low)

• Blue jeans for elementary aged students, both boys & girls, sizes 6 to 12

• Gently used or new shoes for elementary aged students

To help facilitate the collection of these items, we have collection boxes ready at our Barnes location, 9200 SW Barnes Road, (across from St. Vincent's Hospital) and encourage you to stop in and join us in this effort. For every pair of new socks/underwear donated, "LDRE Brokers for Basics" will gladly match it. Thank you in advance for helping us help others.

For more information on the Beaverton Clothes Closet, visit beaverton.k12.or.us/home/community/clothes-closet/frequently-asked-questions

Park District toy & food collection

The Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District and the THPRD Employee Association are collaborating again to encourage giving to the less fortunate during the holiday season.

New toys (for youth ages 4-18) and food will be accepted at most THPRD centers through December 16. It's part of a drive called "Drop In and Help Out Our Neighbors," sponsored by THPRD and OSEA Chapter 400, the union that represents most Park District employees.

All donated food and toys will be forwarded to the Sunshine Pantry in Beaverton for distribution to local individuals and families. Toys should be new and unwrapped; no stuffed animals, please.

"Many of our neighbors are hurting during these difficult economic times, and that pain just becomes more acute during the holiday season," said THPRD General Manager Doug Menke and Employee Association President Dwight Phillips. "Let's try to make this time a little brighter for those in need, especially the children."

Toys and food will be accepted at these nearby THPRD locations:

• Sunset Swim Center: 13707 NW Science Park Drive

• Tualatin Hills Aquatic Center: 15707 SW Walker Road

• Cedar Hills Recreation Center: 11640 SW Park Way

• Tualatin Hills Athletic Center: 50 NW 158th Avenue

• Tualatin Hills Nature Park Interpretive Center, 15655 SW Millikan Way,

• THPRD's Administration Office and Tennis Center, at 15707 SW Walker Road, also will accept donations during open hours.

Leedy Grange Hall

Grange members will be collecting clothing and food for the Sunshine Pantry during their Christmas Party on Saturday, November 11 from 11 am-1 pm. Items that they need right now include: canned vegetables, canned beans, crackers and chips, peanut butter and jelly, cereals, grains, baby food stage 1 through graduates, baby formula, diapers—all sizes, all hygiene products, paper products - toilet paper, napkins, paper towels, etc., winter clothing - jackets, sweaters, etc. (gently used), warm blankets (gently used), shoes (gently used).

Care to Share

Care To Share coordinates assistance to families and individuals seeking emergency food and other basic needs. Their aim is to help people through crisis situations and to connect them with other community services if continued support is needed. Care to Share has partnered with BSD for a number of years providing school supplies and other assistance to families. Visit the Care to Share website to find out how to help.

Community Warehouse

Unneeded household items and furniture will be collected by the members of the Skyline Ward, LDS at their LDS West Union Chapel, 14885 NW West Union Rd., on Saturday, December 11 from 9 am to noon.

Your donations will help Community Warehouse provide essential household items to survivors of domestic violence, homelessness and disability, refugees, and the elderly living on fixed incomes. Community Warehouse gives your donations to these families as they set up an apartment, helping them prepare and cook their own meals and sleep comfortably.

Visit communitywarehouse.org for more information and specific needs.

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