Love Conquers All

There are many loves in my life, these are some but not limited to (just to be sure Bob knows he is on the list):

• 1. My granddaughter who is a pediatric oncology nurse
• 2. Ford Mustangs
• 3. Doernbecher Children’s Hospital
• 4. Christmas
• 5. SnowCap Community Charities
• 6. The Employees at Riverview Community Bank
• 7. The Employees at Gresham Ford
• 8. Beautiful objects made by local artists
• 9. My Great Kiwanis Friends 
• 10.  People who just give because it is the right thing to do

OK so how did all of this love come together to make Holiday Magic?   Well, my Kiwanis friend, Sandy who is like my granddaughter Jennifer, who will do anything to help kids with Cancer, called me to offer an opportunity to purchase some beautiful Christmas Ornaments (and seriously these are the most beautiful Christmas Ornaments).   Well, who can resist beautiful Christmas Ornaments whose proceeds go to fight for Kids with Cancer? So, I bought 8 thinking that I would gift them to all who bought a Mustang in December to honor all the work that Kiwanis has done over the years with its annual raffle of a Mustang to benefit Dorernbecher’s.  But bigger things were in store for these ornaments. 

Brenda Felix and the staff of our local Riverview Community Bank each year host a dinner at the bank from which all proceeds go to SnowCap.  My Staff (Amy and Michelle) help coordinate and decorate. Well Amy and Michelle, thinking outside of the box, decide to auction off the ornaments at this dinner where these beautiful, handmade, unique creations proceeded to garner over $1,500 from generous bidders who saw the blessing in both the ornament and their multiple missions.   Just FYI $1,500 provided 30,000 pounds of food for local families from SnowCap! Love is a powerful thing! Happy New Year!

P.S.  If you want to buy one of these Ornaments call Evelyn 971-275-0701!  

Coaches vs. Cancer

If you look around, you’ll find that there are so many amazing people in our community and Coach Chris Knudsen is one of them.  First of all, we’d like to congratulate him on receiving the “Coach of the Year” award, but it doesn’t stop there.  Chris’s heart is much bigger than just the next win for the football team.  And one of the things that is near and dear to him is the Coaches vs. Cancer program. This is especially close to Kris and the school as one of its coaches/teachers, Justin Rosenblad, is battling stomach cancer.

The Centennial High School coaches are joining the Oregon Athletic Coaches Association in a "Coaches vs. Cancer" campaign. The two goals are to raise awareness and raise funds to fight cancer.

Coaches vs. Cancer program is a statewide collaboration between the Oregon Athletic Coaches Association (OACA), Oregon Athletic Directors Association (OADA) and the American Cancer Society that empowers coaches, their teams and local communities to make a difference in the fight against cancer by participating in awareness efforts, advocacy programs, and fundraising activities to help people with cancer today and to find cures to end the disease tomorrow.

Because cancer has touched so many in our coaching community, Coaches vs. Cancer offers a unique opportunity to fight the disease.  Participating schools can truly make a difference in the fight against cancer and raise awareness in their communities about the importance of cancer prevention, early detection and making healthy lifestyle choices.

At the home Wrestling match on Wednesday February 8 vs. Oregon City and at the home girls and boys basketball games on Friday, February 10 vs. David Douglas, spectators will be given a free pink T-shirt, information will be distributed about cancer and various activities will be going on to raise funds to fight this disease. Anyone wishing to donate can call Brent Child, Athletic Director, at (503) 762-6136. 

Bringing Gold to Gresham

Have you ever seen an Olympic Gold Medal up close?  How about, have you ever met a Gold Medal winner?  Well here’s your chance!  As many may know, right here from Boring, OR, one of our very own has made history bringing home the gold! Ryan Crouser’s fifth attempt in the men’s shot put final traveled a distance 22.52 meters (73 feet, 10 3/4 inches), setting an Olympic record and handing the 23-year-old Barlow High School graduate a gold medal. Crouser’s gold completes his quick rise from college star to the top professional shot putter in the world. He graduated from Barlow High School in Gresham in 2011. Crouser isn’t the first member of his family to compete in the Summer Games. His father, Mitch, was an alternate on the USA discus team at the 1984 Los Angeles Games, while his uncle, Brian, was a two-time Olympian in the javelin. His cousin, Samuel Crouser also a javelin thrower, finished fourth in the qualifying round of the 2016 Olympic games with a 244-foot throw. He is a 2015 alumnus of the University of Oregon. While a senior at Gresham High School, Sam Crouser was named Gatorade High School Track and Field Athlete of the Year 2010.

At 10:15am this Friday, Ryan and Sam will be honored at Sam Barlow High School, 5105 SE 302nd Ave, Gresham, OR 97080.  Following that, from noon to 3pm, Ryan and Sam will be interviewed live by John Canzano from The Bald Faced Truth podcasts, 750AM The Game, at Gresham Ford, 1999 E Powell Blvd, Gresham.  Stop by, ask questions, shake hands, touch the gold or just hang out and watch!  We are so excited to have the opportunity to share in Ryan and Sam’s amazing stories from small town kids, to international icons!!  For more information about John and the Bald Faced Truth podcasts, please visit;  http://www.750thegame.com/shows/bald-faced-truth-w-john-canzano/

Come on down to Gresham Ford, meet our local celebrities and just share the day with us!  You’ll be glad you did!

WAY-fm Presenting our latest Hometown Hero

Gresham Ford was approached by WAY-fm 104.5 to help find Hometown Heros right here is Portland, Oregon.  Below is the submission of our first recipient. 

Join #GreshamFord and keep yours eyes out for your very own #HomeTownHero.   

My husband became a hometown hero. At the start of this year my spouse was involved in helping good samaritans capture a troubled soul. 

I remember the night vividly. My hubby was sitting at the kitchen table studying for his final, the kids were upstairs getting ready for bed and I took a few moments to myself talking to God in our bedroom. It’s what I do often when my physical pain becomes too much to bear. And what can I say, there is so much to pray about in our lives and this world. 

As a SUV approached at the end of our driveway honking (resembling his ex-wife’s new vehicle) there was a little confusion but no major alarm until a stranger got out and knocked on the window to grab my spouse’s attention. According to him, The look on her face screamed help me! His adrenaline kicked in. I heard the commotion in the other room and outside and the energy surrounding it was dramatic. I was told to gather the five kids upstairs and be on lockdown while my spouse called 911 and shined his flashlight in the backyard. The Tigard police and K9 came and captured the teen and within 20 minutes our lives were back to normal…

We learned Briana and Kim were out and their eyes caught something amiss with a member of our community that night. They helped save the life a retired police officer. Briana chased the attacker in her SUV while Kimberly stayed with the victim until an ambulance arrived.

After the night was over and I had time to reflect, I wondered in that moment why this happened while I was in the bedroom spending time praying with God. What message was this situation sending and what would come if it? I think about how random and rare it is for a stranger on stranger attempted murder to take place in our town and then have the attacker end up literally yards from our home with footsteps on our lawn. There was no fear at the time as we only knew there was an altercation and there is no fear now as we have come to find out the attacker had mental health issues at 17. My heart breaks for his family that was attempting to get him help. The road to getting someone the care they need for mental health can be burdensome, isolating, and virtually non existent at times. I can only pray for them all. 

This road now led us to free concert tickets to a Casting Crowns performance and my spouse and the other hometown heroes being honored during the event. This is all thanks to Paul Van Sickle and The Way radio station 104.5 and a loving Mom (Judy – Kimberly’s mom) who saw the beauty in the story and wanted to share it with the greater Portland area by entering a contest. 

God answered a prayer in more than one way for us. One, I had been seeking new spiritual music to refine me. I have not always been the biggest fan of contemporary Christian but the lyrics of a Casting Crowns song drew me in…

“Just Be Held”

Hold it all together

Everybody needs you strong

But life hits you out of nowhere

And barely leaves you holding on

And when you’re tired of fighting
Chained by your control

There’s freedom in surrender

Lay it down and let it go

So when you’re on your knees and answers seem so far away
You’re not alone, stop holding on and just be held

Your world’s not falling apart, it’s falling into place

I’m on the throne, stop holding on and just be held

Just be held, just be held

If your eyes are on the storm
You’ll wonder if I love you still

But if your eyes are on the cross

You’ll know I always have and I always will

And not a tear is wasted
In time, you’ll understand

I’m painting beauty with the ashes

Your life is in My hands

So when you’re on your knees and answers seem so far away
You’re not alone, stop holding on and just be held

Your worlds not falling apart, its falling into place

I’m on the throne, stop holding on and just be held

Just be held, just be held

Lift your hands, lift your eyes
In the storm is where you’ll find Me

And where you are, I’ll hold your heart

I’ll hold your heart

Come to Me, find your rest

In the arms of the God who won’t let go

So when you’re on your knees and answers seem so far away
You’re not alone, stop holding on and just be held

Your worlds not falling apart, its falling into place

I’m on the throne, stop holding on and just be held (stop holding on and just be held)

Just be held, just be held, just be held, just be held

The second part of the answered prayer would be that this is the gift my husband needed to lift his spirit. You see he got diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome this past June at 36 years old. Although it changes nothing for me as his wife (it actually gives me a better understanding and more love and grace for him) it gave him answers to questions of why he struggles in certain aspects of his life.  The internet unfairly can make a person with this disability feel worse about themselves, on top of the social aspects they already struggle with on a daily basis. The new diagnosis hit him hard. God knew he needed this!

I could empathize with him as I recall a time I needed my spirit uplifted. Depression hit my life at 18 as my parents were on the verge of their divorce and the night before my favorite band played, I prayed a silly teen girl prayer to meet the lead singer of the band. It wasn’t just any punk band. It was my obsession from 15 on. It turned out my teen girl crush, Mike Herrera from MxPx, thought my friend and I were nice enough to hang backstage, drink a Coke and meet Mark and Tom and from Blink 182 as well. It was a ‘random’ meeting by the hotel fountain after the show that ignited the backstage invitation, but it forever reminded me (in my own unique way) there is a caring God that listens to us in our darkest hour and is capable of anything.  It could have meant nothing to anyone else but it meant the world to me.

The last part of an answered prayer was my spouse’s and I need for a cheap date night to connect. Friday nights just happen to fall in line with our typical date night anyway. This not only encompasses the spiritual side of our marriage but our love for music that moves us. We couldn't think of a better way to spend the evening. We also get to be in the presence of the two noble and angelic ladies that helped protect our family. Not to mention a shout of praise to the victim, Jeanette, that served and protected our community in her past job risking her life daily for others. 

I feel so blessed to be a part of this whole event and experience and be surrounded by these hometown heroes. I can only hope for others that when their spirit is down God will lift them up and when the enemy strikes God will protect them. I believe a higher power is constantly at work putting the pieces of the puzzle we call life together. 

Noelle Joy 

Gresham Ford's recommendations for Labor Day

Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.

The first state bill was introduced into the New York legislature, but the first to become law was passed by Oregon on February 21, 1887. By the year 1894, Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September of each year a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories. Still later, by a resolution of the American Federation of Labor convention of 1909, the Sunday preceding Labor Day was adopted as Labor Sunday and dedicated to the spiritual and educational aspects of the labor movement.

Enough of the history lesson and on to what’s happen now for this Labor Day celebration! Here at Gresham Ford, we’re going to do what we ought and give our customers, “Freedom to save, Freedom from Interest and Freedom to Choose”!  Running through September 6th, 2016, Ford is offering 0% PLUS Ford Smart Bonus Cash! Come in anytime and have a chat with one of our sales professionals to find out all the details!  Save, pay no interest and choose from our great selection of new Ford cars, trucks and SUVs!  And remember, you only have until Tuesday, September 6^th to take advantage of this amazing opportunity!

And for something fun to do, if you like running, run or walk the Springwater Half; A half marathon, 10k, 5k and kid’s dash that follows a former railway line of the same name. The Springwater Half is kicking off its inaugural year in 2016, September 11^th, at Main City Park, 219 S Main Ave., Gresham, OR 97080 . After you finish the course enjoy live music, a beer garden, and great food at the finish line. For more information and to register, go to http://www.runspringwaterhalf.com/.

The Journey of a Single Mother

I applaud mothers everywhere who sacrifice for the wellbeing of their children and especially those raising kids on their own. You or someone you know is a single mom. Struggling with the loneliness of being on your own, every decision is yours and yours alone, every crisis falls on your lap. There’s no one else to help with the teething and terrible twos, sibling fights and night terrors.

Kim Vestal understands the urgent need single mothers have to build friendships and be part of a community. Raising six children on her own, Kim’s passion is to help other single mothers break out of their isolation and find love and support. Four years ago Kim started Extending Grace, “No Single Mom Walks Alone”, a ministry that brings single mothers together to share with each other, provide emotional support and develop friendships. The mothers can also find practical help such as parenting strategies, financial, cooking and nutritional education. Most of all, the mothers are able to encourage one another.

If this speaks to you, or that someone you may know, there is a city wide gathering August 26 th at Central Bible Church, 8815 NE Glisan St, Portland from 6-8pm. Come and be encouraged and embraced, dinner for you and your kids, and free childcare provided for kids 1-12. For more information please contact Kim at 971.998.3824 or email at info@extendinggrace.org.

You are no longer alone!

Painting Gresham Purple to Fight Cancer

If you’ve been downtown Gresham this past week, you may have noticed the purple ribbons already adorning light poles and sign posts! Its happening, folks!! Tomorrow’s the day! Saturday, June 25 th at
the Main City Park, 219 S Main, Downtown Gresham 12 noon to 11pm. Come on down and join in the
fun at the “CARNIVAL For the Cure”-American Cancer Society. There will be a Canned Food Drive the day of the event - the participant who brings the most cans will be eligible for a prize. Canned food will be used to weight the Luminaria Bags and will be donated to Snow-Cap after the event. The Annual Luminaria is a special ceremony that honors and remembers those who have fought cancer!

There will be lots of celebrating! Guest Speakers, Gresham Fire Department on Site, Live Entertainment,
Fundraising at each Team Booth, Zumba - 2:00 pm, Silent Auction - begins at noon - closes at 7:00 pm,
Balloon Man and Clown.

And if you haven’t joined a team yet, there’s still time! Just go to www.relayforlife.org, type in the zip
code, 97080 and click on “sign up”, put your info in then click “join a Team” and look for Gresham Ford
Chamber AM team! And, Gresham Ford will donate $5 for each person that joins the team! Win! Win! So, there you have it! Start your summer fun with a visit to the Relay for Life Carnival, right here in downtown Gresham Main City Park starting at noon. Spend a few dollars, have some laughs and all for a great cause! Fighting cancer together we can win! We’ll see you there!

Father’s Day Ford Stories

For many people, cars and trucks are a lot more than just a way to get from place to place. It’s not just a
mode of transportation, it’s a lifestyle. Dads come in all different forms, with different strengths and interests. For this Father’s Day, we did a search for some Father’s Day stories from Ford owners. We found this great selection posted by Sean T. Johnston on the FordSocial.com website.

     Kim G. and her dad worked together to get her first Mustang looking sharp - I had an electric blue  Mustang with a white vinyl top. My dad bought it for me in 1977. The driver-side quarter panel was full of rust rot. We both wet sanded it, added wire mesh and added the compound. More wet sanding and had it repainted. Came out awesome. My dad passed a year ago. A wonderful memory. Now I've got the black convertible 2004 anniversary issue Mustang! Love!

    Tom S. and his dad pretty much rebuilt a 1967 fastback Ford Mustang from the floorboards - This is my first love, my ‘67 fastback with a 450-hp 351 Cleveland. My old man bought her for $300 for my 16th birthday. She had to be towed to my dad's garage because she had no motor or trans or floors, fenders, hood, bumpers or much of anything. It took us a good three years, but there she is the best gift/memory anyone will ever give me. My father was amazing. I mean, he owns his own glass shop and has always worked on cars but he basically rebuilt her from the ground up by himself with a little help from me of course. Bodywork, paint, interior, motor and trans rebuilds, right down to the 9-inch rear. I feel blessed every time I drive her and it's a bonding experience I had with my father that will last me forever.

Happy Fathers’ Day to all the great dads out there!

Rock the Block 2016 was a Success

Gresham Ford was honored to be asked to participate in the 2016 Rock the Block in Gresham Oregon.  This family friendly celebration is supported by many in the community including schools, residents, social service organizations, the City and a few local businesses.  

Live entertainment, music, games and prizes where all part of the festivities.  Thousands attended and enjoyed the sun and the community involvement.  This is the third year for this event and it continues to develop with the unique Rockwood community feel.  The theme this year was Summer Reading.  Just one example of life saving resources to the most deserving community.  This free family friendly event has and will continue to grow and Gresham Ford is excited to participate and meet so many of our neighbors.  

Vote Local with your Dollars

It is the Season to Vote and we as citizens of this great Country are so lucky to have this freedom. As a huge proponent of “Try Local First” I always like to remind folks that each day you get a chance to vote with your dollars. Spending money with local businesses and at local “Farmer’s Markets” makes such a huge difference in our local economy and enhances public services such as fire and police thru increased funding.

In our schools for instance, this week we were fortunate enough to present Centennial High School with a check for a little over $4,000 from Ford Motor Company from our “Drive One 4 UR School” Event. We are just one of many local businesses that provide funds to local schools and non-profits. The Gresham Barlow Education Foundation this week provided over $4,000 to Powell Valley Elementary for nine Chrome Books and other related technology products. Much of the funds from these grants come from local businesses which, at the end of the day, rely on local customers. When you shop local, you support local!

On another voting matter, we as an industry (automotive), are in desperate need of qualified trained service personnel to meet the demands of the technology of this century’s vehicles. The proposed construction via the current bond measure for Mt. Hood Community College will accomplish this for our industry and provide training for other skills so young people in our community will have livable wage jobs. This is a good thing!

Team Nancy and our Local Warrior of Hope

What an honor it is to have such amazing people right here in our back yard doing incredible things!

Cancer has a way making a mention in our everyday conversations. Who doesn’t know someone impacted by cancer or currently undergoing treatment? Tam Driscoll has been fighting for others for the past 15 years as an avid volunteer for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). Now Tam is taking her campaign to a national level, having been nominated as a National All Star Candidate for LLS representing Oregon. She is the first to represent our state in this all-star campaign and the first in the Pacific Northwest. But going beyond our Oregon border, her campaign is going worldwide with the team’s motto: CANCER KNOWS NO BOUNDARIES. NEITHER DOES OUR DETERMINATION. With this moniker, the goal is to secure a donation from every state and continent. Only three weeks into a 10 week campaign, her team of 25 volunteers have secured donations from as far as Russia and Malaysia.

The team has checked off 22 out of 50 states (yes, Oregon is one of the 22) and four out of seven
continents. Not only is this a nice lesson in geography but a nice lesson in showing how much the world cares. Let’s show them how much Gresham cares. In support of the Oregon All Star Team, Gresham Ford will match any donation dropped off at Gresham Ford or made online if you put “Gresham Ford” in the comment line, up to $500 by April 15. Also, for every set of tires purchased until April 15, Gresham Ford will donate $25.  Just mention Tam’s name and we’ll make sure she gets it!  If you’d like to see what states and continents remain to be conquered, check out the team’s home page at www.tamdriscoll.com for the complete list.

So, we stand with Tam and Team Nancy pushing towards this ultimate goal!  Won’t you join us?  Take a moment today and go to www.tamdriscoll.com and help us push the dial closer to a cure!

Gresham Barlow Education Foundation 2016 Phone A Thon

Dialing for dollars….

“Reading is the foundation students need for every subject.  Whether they aspire to be a mechanic, an actress, or a scientist, it begins with reading,“ according to Hollydale teacher Dori Stewart.  The Gresham-Barlow Education Foundation is kicking off its 14th annual Phone-a-Thon to support literacy.  Funds raised through the Phone-a-Thon have been used to support literacy in the District in a variety of ways including classroom reading support and District-wide reading curriculum.  The addition of an eLibrary allows students another avenue to become strong readers and successful students.

The Phone-a-Thon will coordinate with the March 2 birthday of Dr. Seuss and Read Across America Day, as students from Gresham and Barlow High Schools call the community to help fund the expansion of the district-wide eLibrary.  The eLibrary was established two years ago through Phone-a-Thon funding.  The current focus is to expand the availability of research and information texts along with the addition of fiction and audio books. High school media specialist, Neil Wong has a goal to grow the eLibrary at the high school level. “I firmly believe that a combination of eBooks and print titles are the future of our libraries and will serve our students well.”


In an effort to help them reach their goal, Gresham Ford has donated a $20 coupon that can be used toward any repair or maintenance service for all Phone-a-Thon donations of $40 or more.  Anyone wishing to support the expansion of the eLibrary, can donate online at gbefkids.org, or contact Vicki Moen, Executive Director GBEF at 503-766-0008.

It takes a village….let’s work together and answer those calls to further of our children’s education.

Relay for Life Kickoff in Gresham

This past week we had the “Kick Off” for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life here at Gresham Ford.  While it is still branded as “Relay for Life” it is really just an opportunity to form teams to think of creative ways to raise money for the good work of the American Cancer Society.  This is an opportunity to get your Girl Scout Troop or your Bridge Club together and have some fun while at the same time plan on making a donation on June 25th at Main Street Park in Gresham.

The American Cancer Society provides numerous services and support to families, friends and those
fighting this as of yet, incurable disease.   Share this phone number 1-800-227-2345 with anyone who is in need of services or support in their journey.  Some of the things they provide are transportation to and from treatment, support for family members, wigs and other items that are needed by patients
during their treatment.  The list of their support was too numerous to list…so please give this number a call if you have any needs or questions regarding treatment, care or support….or if you would like to volunteer on behalf of the American Cancer Society.

Then please put together a team – there is not a better way to spend some time with friends, family,
neighbors, or other church members.  For more information and to register, please call Karen Taylor at 503-795-3989, or email; karen.taylor@cancer.org.  You can also visit their Facebook page at Relay for Life of Gresham.

End of an era

Call it bias, but car people are good people!  The local Mt Hood Mustang & Fords Club recently made a donation ($1,200) to sponsor one veteran to participate in the Nation Honor Flight Network program. We have always had a passion and reverent respect for all of our service men and women, and the WWII veterans are just some real special folks. Many have gone unnoticed as they have quietly lived out their lives in the years following WWII.  The National Honor Flight Network is an organization that has taken up the banner of these lost heroes and, through generous donations from ordinary people like you and me, they are able to give them the honor of visiting the memorial in Washington, DC that was built in recognition of their service.

The National Honor Flight Network program takes WWII veterans to Washington, DC free of charge for a four day trip. Veterans and Guardians who assist the veterans will visit the WWII Memorial, U.S. Capitol, Lincoln Memorial, Iwo Jima Memorial, Tomb of the Unknowns, and other veteran’s memorials in the Washington, DC area. Almost 100,000 WWII veterans from across our nation have participated in the HFN program launched eight years ago, but there are still many on the list who want to go. WWII veterans travel free of charge in appreciation for their WWII service and sacrifice seven decades ago preserving our freedoms.

From the depths of our hearts here at Gresham Ford, you - the Mt Hood Mustang & Fords Club, make us proud of your unselfish service to our vets and our community. Thank you for caring!

For more information regarding the National Honor Flight Program visit, www.portlandhonorflight.org or call 971-264-0814.  Also, to find out more about the Mt Hood Mustang & Fords Club go to, http://www.mhmf.com.

2016 Relay for Life in Gresham Oregon

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Gresham will host a kickoff event on February 9th from 6:00-8:00 PM at Gresham Ford as volunteers and participants launch fundraising efforts for the year.  Come join in the Carnival antics as they anticipate 2016 with hope and opportunities in this new year.  The kickoff will honor cancer survivors and caregivers, and will feature speakers from the community who have benefitted from the funds raised at Relay For Life. Those interested will also be able to register to participate in the carnival themed event to be held on June 25, 2016 beginning at noon at Main City Park.

The world’s largest grassroots fundraising movement, Relay For Life mobilizes communities throughout the country to celebrate people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost and provide participants with an opportunity to fight back against cancer.  This year, Relay For Life will take place in nearly 6,000 communities in the United States and 20 other countries and will raise funds to support the mission of the American Cancer Society to save lives by helping people stay well, by helping people get well, by finding cures, and fighting back.

For more information about the upcoming kickoff, please contact Annie Tunnicliffe at 315.219.6328, annetunnicliffe@yahoo.com, or visit http://relayforlife.org/greshamor. Sign up for Relay For Life of Gresham today and help our community finish the fight against cancer!

Thank you for helping to end hunger in East County

Once again, the outpouring of generosity from this community has had overwhelming results!  The pounds of food collected during this year’s Fill-A-Bag Food Drive for SnowCap brought in approximately 555,520 pounds of food!  And with the help offered from the Oregon Food Bank, $.05 can buy a pound of food so all the cash donated was stretched well beyond normal costs!  So, a huge THANK YOU  to this amazing place that we live where neighbors care about neighbors and also, an organization like the Oregon Food Bank with the resources and willingness to help!

This year, with the donations pouring in from the Fill-A-Bag food drive, SnowCap Community Charities was able to feed 2,545 FAMILIES, that’s about 10,000 individuals during the month of December.  Any time of year is hard for families that are struggling just to survive, but the holidays are even harder when there’s too much month at the end of the money.  With your help, these families were able to enjoy gathering with their family and friends for this holiday season around the table for a good meal!

A little insight into the world that SnowCap reaches, these are working families and senior citizens that just need a little extra to keep going.  Only 10% are actually homeless and the goal is to give these folks a hand up so they don’t end up on the streets. A wonderful story from this past year, a family that struggled for 3 years, with assistance from SnowCap they were able to get back on track and they were the first to donate back to SnowCap with $2,000 that kicked off the December 2015 donations!

But don’t forget about our struggling neighbors throughout the year!  A nickel can buy a pound of food through SnowCap and the Oregon Food Bank so it’s something everyone can do.  Get your kids involved and show them that giving can really make a difference!!

Thank you for participating in the 2016 Fill A Bag Food Drive for Snow Cap Community Charities

Another season has ended for our annual Fill-A-Bag Food Drive for SnowCap as well.  This morning at Riverview Community Bank will be the final recap but there’s still time to clean out your cabinets and pantries! Stop by Gresham Ford, Riverview Community Bank, Stamp Connection or Balance Health & Injury Clinic and they’ll be glad to get your contribution counted in for the final tally!   Stay tuned next week for the results of this year’s food drive.  Last year we were able to fulfill SnowCap’s needs for three months. That’s a huge deal, and it’s all because of this generous caring community! So, thank you again to all who participated to make this a success once again!