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.

GIFT CARDS. Help empower individuals and families experiencing and healing from domestic and sexual violence, child and elder abuse, stalking, dating violence, and trafficking to purchase what is most meaningful to them this holiday season by donating gift cards at the Lake Oswego Public Library. Now through December 1, the Library will be accepting gift cards to Amazon, Fred Meyer, Walmart and Target on behalf of the Clackamas Women’s Shelter. This program supports more than 125 families (including nearly 300 children) each year. Learn more about Clackamas Women’s Services at www.cwsor.org.

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 the 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, and at the Lake Oswego Adult Community Center, 505 G Avenue with a list of items you may purchase and then return to the City Hall or ACC donation sites by Tuesday, December 6. For more information about Fill a Stocking, Fill a Heart visit their site. 

COVERS FOR KIDS. The City’s Youth Action Council (YAC) is collecting new fleece yards to make and decorate blankets for the Clackamas Children’s Center, a resource and assessment center dedicated to supporting youth who may be experiencing abuse. These blankets are made with love and designed to brighten a dark day! Donation boxes are located at the Adult Community Center (505 G Avenue) and the LO Teen Lounge (1060 Chandler Road).  One-full yard is needed to make each blanket. Donations will be accepted through December 9. Donations are tax-deductible, please email Cydny Fletcher at cfletcher@lakeoswego.city to receive a donation receipt. TAX ID number 93-6002231.

LAKE OSWEGO TOY DRIVE. Drop off new, unwrapped toys at the Lake Oswego Fire Department Main Station (300 B Avenue) by noon on Friday, December 16. Donations will be delivered to families in need throughout the local area by the Tualatin Valley Elks Club. 503.635.0275.

HUNGER FIGHTERS OREGON. In 2014, a student at Lake Oswego Junior High realized that food insecurity is an issue even for Lake Oswego families and he started a club to address it. Today this official nonprofit distributes food from a pantry located at 4 Monroe Parkway.  Nonperishable food donations can be left anytime in the container outside the pantry at 4 Monroe Parkway, at the LO Library, 706 Fourth Street, or Deno’s Pizzeria. Perishable items (fresh produce, veggies, meat and dairy) may be dropped off by calling 503-683-3401.  Please Check online for a list of needed items and please note, they ask that you ensure your products are not expired. Monetary support is also appreciated.  You can give easily online, via Venmo @hungerfighters or mail a check to PO Box 2215, Lake Oswego, OR 97035. 

Right now they are looking for $25 donations to help provide a turkey for 70 families this Thanksgiving or for people to “adopt a family”.  For more information or with additional questions, please email info@hungerfightersoregon.org.

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, Inc. 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 online. Canned food donations are wanted and can be dropped off at the pantry during normal business hours: Monday 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 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.

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.

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 email me at kevin.costello@cascadehassonsir.com