For those of us blessed enough to live in Lake Oswego, our gratitude list runs long this time of year. November is a perfect time to pay all that gratitude forward.

Here are a few ways for you to do just that in and around our community.

FILL A STOCKING, FILL A HEART. You can become part of this all-volunteer army providing more than 3,000 handmade Christmas stockings to families, seniors, teens and homeless living in Clackamas County. For many people, these stockings (filled with much-needed items and special gifts) are the only presents they receive. Stockings are available for pickup at City Hall, 380 A Avenue with a list of items you may purchase and then return to the City Hall donation site.

WITH LOVE. This non-profit’s mission is to support foster families by providing safe, clean and quality clothing and supplies for children ages 0-6. They are holding their annual Season of Giving drive to provide holiday stockings to children placed in foster care in Oregon. You can participate in a variety of ways, one of which is to shop their Amazon Holiday Wish List.  Be sure to click “With Love Holiday’s Gift Registry Address” for free shipping and order ahead of holiday shipping delays. Please skip the gift wrap, as a volunteer team at Nike, Ind. is creating handmade pillowcases for gifting that the children can use well beyond the holidays.  

TUALATIN SCHOOL HOUSE PANTRY. This Oregon Food Bank affiliate serves families each month living in Tualatin, Durham, Lake Oswego, West Linn, and Wilsonville. Cash donations are welcome to buy essentials and can be done in person or online. Canned food donations are wanted and can be dropped off at the pantry during normal business hours. Currently, the most needed items are peanut butter, canned chili, canned pasta, canned beans, canned meats, pasta other than spaghetti, shampoo, powdered laundry detergent and dry pet food. Hours are Monday 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Volunteers are also needed in the food pantry as well as for delivering and picking up donations. If you would like to volunteer, complete the online form. The pantry is located on the lower level of Rolling Hills Church, 3550 SW Borland Road, Tualatin. 503.783.0721.

LAKE OSWEGO TOY DRIVE. Drop off new, unwrapped toys to the Lake Oswego Fire Department Main Station (300 B Avenue) or the Lake Oswego Public Library (706 Fourth Street) by noon on Friday, December 21. Donations will be delivered to families in need by the Tualatin Valley Elks Club. 503.635.0275.

HUNGER FIGHTERS OREGON. In 2014 when students at Lake Oswego Junior High realized that food insecurity is an issue even for Lake Oswego families, they started a club to address it. Today this official nonprofit distributes food from a pantry located at 2301 Hazel Road in the green house garage on the east side of the Lake Oswego High School campus. Nonperishable food donations can be left anytime in the container outside the pantry. Perishable as well as nonperishable food can be dropped off on Saturdays between 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Check online for a list of needed items and please note, they ask that you ensure your products are not expired. Cash is always welcome too which you can donate in person or online. Right now they are looking for $25 donations to help provide a turkey for each family. Just Venmo your donation to @hungerfighters or mail a check to P.O. Box 2215, Lake Oswego, OR. 97035. Volunteer help is also needed as a shopping assistant helping clients select their items and/or a gleaner, picking up donations from grocers and restaurants in the area as well as helping to stock the pantry. You can sign up online.

HANDS-ON PORTLAND. Check their calendar for ongoing as well as one-time volunteer opportunities. Many occur year-round such as serving at Grocery Shopping for Homebound Seniors or Serving Meals at a Transitional Home.

ONGOING WINTER COATS, GLOVES, FOOD AND NEW UNWRAPPED TOYS DRIVE. City Hall is also accepting donations for used, clean items for families in need throughout Clackamas County as well as new toys. You can drop them off at City Hall, 380 A Avenue. For more information call the Public Information Office at 503.635.0257.

If you’d like to count living in Lake Oswego as one of your blessings, give me a call at 503.939.9801. I’ve been a Realtor in Lake Oswego for over 30 years and would love to put my experience to work for you. Check out my website or get in touch below.