By Rachel Richards | CNA Media Team
Are you looking for a way to give back to the community this holiday season – or are you considering a New Year’s resolution to help your neighbors more? Worthy causes abound in and near Concordia, and they could use your tax-deductible dollars and/or your spare time.
At least two organizations in Concordia focus on the hungry.
Northeast Emergency Food Program (NEFP) meets urgent food and clothing needs. Clients include anyone in need, including those who are experiencing houselessness and those who are undocumented. NEFP is open from 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 4800 N.E. 72nd Ave.
Volunteers are needed for: liaison, inventory, assisting clients shop, greeting, intake, operating the mobile pantry, serving as couriers, and in the clothing center, garden and landscape operation, cleaning and maintenance. Donations of funds, food and clothing are welcome. Contact NEFP at 503. 284.5470 and/or NEFP@emoregon.org.
The Faubion Food Pantry is always in need of shelf-stable food, especially fruit and applesauce cups, alternative milks (soy, almond, hemp, coconut), and protein-rich items such as canned soup and veggies, with an emphasis on organic and healthy food.
There’s also a need for clean, gently used children’s coats during the clothing drive that ends Dec. 5. For details and/or to schedule a drop off or pick up, contact Jaclyn Sisto, 3 to PhD services coordinator, at 971.804.9125 or jsisto@cu-portland.edu.
All of the local schools need more volunteers and dollars to support their academic programs. Internet searches can offer you contact info for Faubion, Vernon, Rigler and Ivy School Prescott Campus elementary schools; Beaumont Middle School and/or Jefferson, Madison and Alliance high schools.
One of the human services organizations in Concordia is The HIV Day Center, 2941 N.E. Ainsworth. It provides services for low-income people living with HIV/ AIDS. Hot breakfasts and lunches are available four days a week, as are counseling, information and referral, and help with problem solving. Clients have access to phones, a mail drop, computers with internet access, Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, clothing, showers and hygiene supplies.
The organization will benefit from the Dec. 5 World AIDS Day Fundraiser Luncheon.
Rachel Richards is a 16-year Concordia resident who loves her community. She has a background in counseling/education and uses her passion for helping others in her work as a real estate broker. Contact Rachel or learn more about her at rachelrichardsrealtor.com.