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 10, 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.
COATS/HATS/GLOVES/SOCKS. The Lake Oswego Lions Club and Vision Envoy Club Branch is collecting NEW warm coats, hats, gloves, mittens and scarves for children and youth (adult sizes are important in this age group). The clothing will be distributed by Bethlehem House of Bread in Tigard to those whom it serves. Collection boxes will be in place from November 3 through December 8 at six locations including: the Lake Oswego Adult Community Center (505 G Avenue), the Lake Oswego Fire Department Station (330 B Avenue), and the Lake Oswego Library (706 Fourth Street).
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. The Lake Oswego Fire Department is accepting new, unwrapped toys to bring holiday cheer to children in need. Toys will be shared with families throughout the local area and distributed by the Tualatin Valley Elks Lodge. Please drop off toys from November 15 through December 15 at the Lake Oswego Fire Department Main Station (300 B Avenue) and the Lake Oswego Public Library (706 Fourth Street).
HUNGER FIGHTERS OREGON. In the past year, Hunger Fighters has seen a 184% increase in the demand for their services which is why your donations are especially needed. High-need items right now are: all types of pasta, all types of rice, all types of canned beans, cereal, boxed milk (dairy and plant) and fall/winter holiday foods. Drop off non-perishable food and essential hygiene items in bins at the Lake Oswego Library (706 Fourth Street– donations accepted all year,) Lake Oswego Fire Department Main Station (300 B Avenue), Deno’s Pizzeria (4475 Lakeview Blvd.), PDX Fitness (17510 Provost St UNIT 101), Mt. Park Recreation Center (2 Mt. Jefferson Terrace), or in the dropbox in front of Hunger Fighters Oregon at 4 Monroe Parkway Suite A. Monetary support is also appreciated. Just make checks to 4 Monroe Parkway, Suite A, Lake Oswego, OR. 97035. This year Hunger Fighters is part of Willamette Week’s 2023 Give? Guide which means you’ll receive some freebies for donating $10 AND be entered to win exciting prizes when you donate on Big Give Days. Find out more here.
WITH LOVE. This non-profit’s mission is to support children impacted by foster care. They are holding their annual Season of Giving drive and there are several ways you can get involved.
Toy Drive. The toy drive runs now through December 8th. You can shop their General with Love Holiday Amazon Wishlist and/or adopt a With Love Amazon Wish List to share with your very own community. Drop off toys to With Love by December 8th at 14555 SW 74th Avenue, Tigard on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Financial Gift. Support their year-end fundraising goal of $115,000 now through December 31, ensuring families can continue to benefit from this program.
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 mailed to: Tualatin Food Pantry, P.O. Box 248, Tualatin, OR. 97062 or 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 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, check out the opportunities online. 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
52 Reasons to Love Lake Oswego 