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.
$25 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 through December 10 at 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 Friday, 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 10. Donations are tax-deductible, please email Cydny Fletcher at cfletcher@lakeoswego.city to receive a donation receipt.
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. Despite the image that Lake Oswego has as an affluent community, there are residents who struggle with food insecurity. According to the Oregon Department of Education, 599 students in the Lake Oswego School District qualify for free or reduced lunch meals, a number which doesn’t include those students’ family members who also share in that struggle. That realization was the impetus behind the formation of the Hunger Fighters Oregon club, based right here in Lake Oswego. The organization served 1,873 unique individuals in 2023, with 80% of them coming from Lake Oswego and surrounding communities. The need is great, with the organization seeing a 100% growth in the number of individuals and families served 2022-2023. You can find a complete list of most needed items online. Regular sized, unopened, non-perishable items can be left in the donation bin at their location but they ask that perishable items be delivered during open hours or by making an appointment through info@hungerfightersoregon.org . Hours: Monday 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Wednesday 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Friday 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Address: 4 Monroe Parkway, Suite A.
PERIOD PRODUCTS. The City’s Library Teen Advisory Board is collecting period or menstruation products for Rose Haven PDX. The Library (706 Fourth Street) will be accepting donations through December 31. Learn more about Rose Haven PDX online.
CHILDREN’S CLOTHES. The Bethlehem Children’s Clothing Closet is seeking donations of children’s clothes. Donations can be made at the Lake Oswego Public Library (706 Fourth Street) through December 31.
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 11th. You can shop their General with Love Holiday Amazon Wishlist and then drop off toys to With Love by December 6th at 14555 SW 74th Avenue, Tigard on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Other needed items are listed online.
Financial Gift. Cash donations are also welcome, ensuring families can continue to benefit from this program.
TUALATIN FOOD 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. A list of high-priority items can be found online 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.
GOOD NEIGHBOR CENTER. The Good Neighbor Center in Tigard serves families experiencing housing insecurity by providing shelter, resources and support for lasting stability. You’re invited to find your level of giving this holiday season from buying gifts for an entire family to donating in-kind needed items which you can find a list of here. 11130 SW Greenburg Road in Tigard.
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 one of us a call. We’d love to put our experience to work for you. Check out our website or shoot us an email.
Kevin Costello 503.939.9801 kevin.costello@cascadehasson.com
Riley Costello 971.322.6205 riley.costello@cascadehasson.com
52 Reasons to Love Lake Oswego 