Portland, OR. The Portland Opera is teaming up with All Classical Portland to bring you some virtual cheer this holiday season. It’s a program they’re calling the Winter Wonderland Sing-Along.
This special 1-hour program will be broadcast on All Classical Portland 89.9 on Sunday, Dec 20th at noon and will feature seasonal favorites and stories with on-air host Suzanne Nance and special guest soprano and Artistic Advisor Karen Slack.
Portland Opera has crafted a way for listeners to sing-along karaoke-style to a curated songbook of holiday classics online with recorded accompaniment by pianist David Saffert. Record your family singing and tag the opera at @portlandopera and @allclassicalportland or email your videos and Portland Opera will repost: [email protected].
Portland Opera is also encouraging you to contribute what you’re able to support its ongoing efforts.
The holiday celebration also includes sing-alongs from past years recorded in All Classical Portland’s studios, and performances by countertenor Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen (who was to make his Portland Opera debut as Tamerlano in our production of Vivaldi’s Bajazet last spring), flutist Adam Eccleston, and pianist David Saffert. Don’t miss program highlights such as Luciano Pavarotti‘s recording of “Adeste Fidelis” and Leontyne Price singing “Ave Maria.”
Portland Opera has crafted a way for listeners to sing-along karaoke-style to a curated songbook of holiday classics online with recorded accompaniment by pianist David Saffert. Record your family singing and tag the opera at @portlandopera and @allclassicalportland or email your videos and Portland Opera will repost: [email protected].
From Portland Opera: We hope this program produced by All Classical Portland inspires you to gather virtually and safely with friends and family this Sunday to spread joy and seasonal cheer. Portland Opera’s mission is to inspire, challenge and uplift our audiences by creating productions of high artistic quality that celebrate the beauty and breadth of opera.
From All Classical Portland: We stream worldwide at allclassical.org and broadcasts on KQAC 89.9FM in Portland and Vancouver; KQOC 88.1 FM in Newport and Lincoln City; KGHR 88.1 FM in Hood River and The Dalles; KQHR 96.3 FM in the Gorge; KGMI 88.9 FM in Manzanita; 95.7 FM in Corvallis; and KSLC 90.3 FM in McMinnville
Portland, OR. The Oregon Legislature’s Emergency Board approved a $2.9 million investment in emergency food assistance through the Oregon Food Bank Network — a critical allocation at a time when nearly one in five state residents face hunger. The measure will increase the amount of nutritious food available at Oregon pantries and meal sites over the course of the next three months, as the ongoing pandemic continues to impact area communities. The Legislative Emergency Board funds allocated earlier this month will help to address rising food insecurity across Oregon in the wake of COVID-19.
Oregon Food Bank officials say they still need donations to meet the growing need of local families.
CEO Susannah Morgan reacted to the legislative action: “The Emergency Board’s investment comes at a critical time for our communities, as our neighbors experience food insecurity at the highest rate in a century. The pandemic has brought hunger and poverty to the doorsteps of thousands of Oregon families for the first time, and the situation is even worse in communities that have faced disproportionate challenges for generations. Long-standing structural inequities have ensured that the pandemic’s public health and economic impacts fall more heavily on people of color, immigrants and refugees, single parents and caregivers, and our trans and gender non-conforming neighbors — many of whom serve in essential, front-line roles within our healthcare and food systems.”
She continues, “Throughout the pandemic, our network of 21 regional food banks and 1,400 local partners has moved mountains to ensure that nutritious food is available to everyone who needs it. But the economic fallout of COVID-19 has been compounded by devastating wildfires, and significant support is needed to continue to meet these crises head-on. With today’s action, the Emergency Board has made a significant and critical investment in the food security of millions of Oregonians whose lives have been destabilized in one of the most challenging years in recent memory.”
Representatives from Tyson Foods and Smart Foodservice teamed up to provide a donation of protein in November.
Food Bank officials say Federal action on COVID relief is desperately needed to shore up safety net programs that provide vital support for struggling families, from Unemployment Insurance to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. And thousands of our neighbors face homelessness at year’s end if the full state legislature does not convene to extend Oregon’s eviction and foreclosure moratorium. Our communities are facing one of the worst public health and economic crises in generations, and we need bold action from elected leaders at all levels to help ensure we all emerge stronger.
It’s not too late to give back this season and many organizations are currently donating a portion of their sales to the Oregon Food Bank through December. Currently, food donations have been put on pause for Oregon Food Bank’s as well as having to reduce the number of volunteers from about 100 to 10 due to COVID-19.
The Oregon Food Bank has also canceled its food drives right now, but these organizations below are offering another way to help those experiencing food insecurity. For more information on each of the different organizations and to help donate to the Oregon Food Bank click on the links below.
Ashley Mumm, Public Relations Manager, explains that there are also other fundraisers throughout the year to help the Oregon Food Bank, “In addition to those that are on the calendar, there’s a lot of activity going on in the community, which is amazing.”
People also have the option to create a peer-to-peer fundraiser to help combat hunger and rally friends, family, and/or co-workers to help out. This option is open all year long and just $1 helps the Oregon Food Bank distribute three meals in the community.
Over 1 million people will experience food insecurity for the first time this year according to Mumm. This has increased from last year where about 860,000 people were experiencing food insecurity. Despite this increase, Mumm reminds people, “That we’re here, food is available; please get food.”
An additional way to look for opportunities to give back is by using #OregonFoodBank on Instagram that usually has other activities happening around the state from small businesses/individuals. The online app, OregonFoodFinder.org, allows people to search by zip code, days and times of operations, and what each partner offers (groceries/food/meals, etc.).
Giving back can mean more than just donating, Mumm explains, “For those that are safe and feel comfortable, volunteers are always welcome. We have over 400 partners in the metro area that are also potentially welcoming volunteers.”
From the Oregon Food Bank Website: Our mission is to eliminate hunger and its root causes because no one should be hungry.
Portland, OR. Friends of Noise is a Portland-based non-profit that provides young artists with a well-rounded introduction to the music industry. (Wavy Josef, is shown playing an outdoor show above.) With professional workshops in everything from designing fliers and merchandise, to lighting and sound engineering, to networking and performing, the organization invests in its community to better prepare artists for the business side of music. Non-profits have not had an easy year, and this organization has shown that it is resourceful in keeping on track to serve local youth. With ongoing projects heading into 2021, and a long-term goal of opening an art-focused youth center in North East Portland, Friends of Noise is committed to coming out of 2020 stronger than ever.
Many local businesses were forced to halt all activities in March 2020 to slow the spread of the Coronavirus pandemic, and Friends of Noise was one of them. The young community that the non-profit serves, however, was highly active in social justice causes as the Black Lives Matter movement gained momentum all over the country in the wake of George Floyd’s death. Andre Middleton, Executive Director of Friends of Noise, delivered amplification equipment and other sound assistance to marches and protests around the city. Andre felt compelled to provide the non-profit’s sound equipment to a noble cause, “I wanted to make sure that the community’s cries for justice and change would be heard.” Friends of Noise continued to be an ally for these social justice events, which also validated the idea that outdoor spaces would become a viable option for their artists.
Members of the community stand in solidarity for a common cause.
The non-profit went on to hold numerous shows in NE Portland parks throughout the summer and even hosted a social-distanced Black Lives Matter rally in Cathedral Park on Labor Day that drew a crowd of 2000. These live music events were welcomed by these neighborhoods and provided much-needed revenue for the artists and showrunners that had relied on concerts in the past. Friends of Noise makes it a point to compensate performers and showrunners, and believes it is incredibly important to show the community of artists that their time and work is valued. By showing the young artists this now by paying them for their work, Andre hopes they will take that sense of value into their futures: “We’re all about teaching and giving kids opportunities to practice what they learn, and then working to get them paid opportunities to develop this as a career. We work to make sure that young people are seen as valued members of our local music ecosystem.”
In 2021, Friends of Noise will be launching live-stream programming as an ongoing way to feature their growing youth artist directory. This programming will be a collaboration with local music venues that have been closed due to Covid-19 restrictions, creating a connection between the artists and the theaters. They have partnered with theaters like Mississippi Studios, the Star Theater, and the Roseland Theater. The shows will also be multi-generational, pairing young artists with older artists, and will eventually incorporate a local dance group as well. The programming will be consistent, and the non-profit hopes this will represent the Portland music scene as a diverse and harmonious entity. This project is set to launch in January, and Friends of Noise hopes it will help sustain the local music industry through these uncertain times.
The band Out of Luck plays an indoor show before the pandemic.
Engagement in the Friends of Noise community has not slowed down with this pandemic. As a non-profit that serves Portland youth, its artists are looking for more ways to connect and be inspired by their peers. Friends of Noise knows that it cannot be a replacement for school, or other social activities that are no longer safe, but hopes that by building a strong community it can provide comradery through work and expression. This new live-stream project will support this ideal harmonious and collaborative music scene. When speaking about the future of the music industry in Portland, Andre is optimistic, “I have every confidence that young people will be pushing the envelope and be as innovative as they always have been. If we can create an ambience of collaboration over competition, this next cohort of musicians are going to be in an even better position in the future.” Friends of Noise is participating in Willamette Weekly’s GiveGuide, and you can also donate or volunteer on its website.
From Friends of Noise: Friends of Noise is a non-profit, educational, all-ages organization. Our mission is to provide safer and productive spaces for all-ages concerts, focused arts education, and leadership opportunities for youth with a focus on providing marginalized youth and youth of color access to performative creative expression. Our long-term goals are to contribute to the development of a region-wide network of young people and adults that are learned and ready to pursue a career in the music industry on stage or backstage and to grow into a youth-centered arts center that resides in a music-focused arts hub in an underserved community within our city.
We seek to create a non-profit, all-ages arts venue that is youth-oriented and youth-driven. We envision a safe, inclusive community meeting place for arts events, with a strong educational and mentorship component. We intend to engage young people in all aspects of event planning and production within this space, in order to encourage real-world skill-building. We believe these skills will serve students well in their future endeavors and help them become cultural leaders and engaged citizens in their communities.
Government Camp, OR. Mt. Hood Skibowl is now open for skiing and snowboarding. Ski Bowl managers say they’ll be operating with limited terrain on Multorpor, via the Lower Bowl (West Side). Skiers and Riders will be directed to the West Side and lift tickets will be sold on the west side only. The Eastside will be supporting Tubing operations.
As usual, the resort will host Cosmic Tubing®. Every weekend and holiday during the winter (and through Spring Break), the resort’s Snow Tube and Adventure Park transforms into a one-of-a-kind snowy scene complete with pulsing colored lights and bumping music. It’s all part of Ski Bowl’s Cosmic Tubing experience
There are over 600,000 LED lights, laser light shows, black lights, colored lights, rocking music, and more.
For tubing, Skibowl has Mt. Hood’s only dual conveyor lifts.
Night skiing operations are slated to start Monday and will operate through the week weather permitting.
Here’s a video about Cosmic Tubing:
Cosmic Tubing is open *Friday, Saturday, Sunday and holidays. (*Fridays after December 18th). It’s $38 dollars for adults and $33 for kids. Be sure to check with Skibowl before you head up to the mountain.
From Skibowl:
Our mission remains to make Skibowl fun and accessible for all families who want to enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities. Less than an hour east of Portland, Skibowl has emerged as a family-friendly alpine resort with something for everyone. For Skiers and Riders, Skibowl provides snow riders with 960 acres in the Mt. Hood National Forest. The resort features 34 fully lit night runs, 65 runs total and a vertical drop of 1,500. The longest run is the 3-mile Skyline trail, starting at 5,100 feet. With the most Black Diamond runs anywhere in Oregon, Skibowl appeals to accomplished riders, night and day. Those in the know are lured to Skibowl’s Outback, the legendary expansive terrain with forested steeps, open glades and ungroomed slopes that are nothing short of heavenly.
Portland, OR. Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) hosted a Virtual Holiday Celebration on December 6th. The event featured stories of GDB’s canine teams across the country. Through the event, $400,000 was raised for the non-profit. Supporters who missed the celebration can watch it online here. People can continue to donate for the event until December 16th and will be given an opportunity to name a GDB puppy.
Guide Dogs for the Blind celebrated its first virtual holiday celebration.
The Virtual Holiday Celebration was hosted by Liam Mayclem, an Emmy Award-winning radio and TV personality, along with Theresa Stern, GDB Vice President of Outreach, Admissions, and Alumni Services. Chris Benninger, president and CEO of GDB, gave updates on the nonprofit, along with the GDB ambassador dog, Thea. Zach Thibodeaux, a recent Guide Dogs for the Blind graduate, shared his story of receiving his first guide dog, Natura. There were some special appearances of the actor Noah Wyle and some GDB guide dogs, and a video starring canine teams across the U.S. was featured.
The Virtual Holiday Celebration was hosted by Emmy Award-winning radio and TV personality Liam Mayclem and Theresa Stern, GDB Vice President of Outreach, Admissions, and Alumni Services.
The virtual celebration had over 1500 attendees sign-on, and an additional 120 viewers signed on to the Facebook Livestream. Guests joined from all over the States, and from Canada, England, India, and Italy. Donations were given from all around the world.
Behind the scenes of the virtual holiday celebration, with President and CEO of Guide Dogs for the Blind, Chris Benninger.
From Guide Dogs for the Blind:
Guide Dogs for the Blind is a guide dog school that trains highly qualified guide dogs to provide free services in order to empower visually impaired individuals. The organization has been serving people throughout the United States and Canada since 1942.
Guide Dogs for the Blind was the subject of an award-winning 2018 feature-length documentary called Pick of the Litter, which was developed into a television docu-series by the same name that had its debut in late 2019 on the streaming service Disney+.
Portland, OR. St. Mary’s Academy raised $500,000 during its 27th annual Food for Thought fundraiser. Due to COVID-19, this is the first time the fundraiser has gone virtual in order to help support financial aid access for its students. More than 800 guests from across the globe joined the event to listen to a range of topics from motivation in the pursuit of one’s passions, to becoming a leader, to always staying true to yourself and the importance of giving back.
The featured guest of the event, Misty Copeland, Principal Dancer for American Ballet Theatre, shared her story and answered questions in a conversation with St. Mary’s senior, Kyra Bonta, current St. Mary’s dance instructor, Jessica Zoller, and St. Mary’s alumna, Jenny White.
Misty Copeland the featured guest of the event says, “Be strong, be fearless, be beautiful, and believe that anything is possible when you have the right people there to support you.”
This school year, St. Mary’s will provide over $2 million in financial aid to 42% of families. The fundraiser, Food for Thought, has allowed St. Mary’s to provide a college-preparatory education to any young woman who desires it, regardless of financial circumstances.
Maya DaSilva, a current junior at St. Mary’s, also spoke at the fundraiser about why she loves the school and why tuition assistance is important. “The SMA community believes there is inherent value in young women. That their thoughts, voices, and ideas are worthy. That they are necessary in the workplace and that each brings extraordinary skills and assets to various forms of leading, serving, creating, discovering.”
Maya DaSilva, current junior at St. Mary’s Academy spoke at the fundraiser in support of her school.
St. Mary’s Academy is Oregon state’s oldest continuously operating school and the only all-girls school that serves 680 young women. St. Mary’s has a 100% college acceptance rate where students achieve, excel, and are recognized locally, regionally, and nationally in academic fields, leadership, STEM, the arts, athletics, community service, and extra-and co-curricular activities.
Donations from the fundraiser will provide St. Mary’s students with:
$15,995 will sponsor a student’s tuition for one year
$8,000 will fund the average financial aid award for one student
$5,300 will cover the gap between tuition and the actual cost of education
$2,000 will fund a quarter of the average financial aid award for one student
$1,056 provides a fully equipped iPad for two students receiving financial aid
$528 provides a fully equipped iPad for one student receiving financial aid
$283 provides one dollar for each student receiving financial aid
The event was co-chaired by the women of the St. Mary’s Board of Directors. Board member, Kimberly Cooper, shares why she supports St. Mary’s. “Education is the great elevator – anyone who enters, rises up to new heights – and access to a world-class education for young women at St. Mary’s Academy helps propel them higher. They are our future, and when they rise, we all rise!”
From St. Mary’s Academy website: St. Mary’s Academy, sponsored by the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary since 1859, is a Catholic high school for young women, providing a challenging college-preparatory education in a vibrant learning environment. Guided by the values and charism of the Sisters, St. Mary’s fosters a diverse community, educates the whole person by nurturing spirituality, encouraging creativity, promoting justice, and inspiring a sense of global interdependence to prepare students for service and leadership.
Portland, OR. Local families are in need of help after a year of unprecedented challenges. Pacific Northwest communities have supported causes like Black Lives Matter, record-breaking fundraising for political parties, and support for small businesses forced to close due to Covid-19. Nonprofits are hoping that they’ll receive much-needed year-end donations this holiday season. (Causes like Children’s Book Bank, pictured above, represent one of many local nonprofits that serve local families).
There are many meaningful actions that donors can take to help local communities in need of shelter, food, basic necessities, or toys for Christmas morning. On PortlandSocietyPage.com we have a page with a list of nonprofits, here’s a link to our partner’s page. Below is also a list of diverse nonprofits that may inspire those who can afford to offer time and resources to help these imperative causes thrive into the new year.
Volunteers at Blanchet House are encouraged to apply and follow strict Covid guidelines to ensure the safety of the community.
Blanchet House provides food, shelter, and aid to any in need with mutual respect and compassion. You can sign up to volunteer and learn more about donations on the non-profit’s website. Blanchet House is also participating in Willamette Weekly’s Give Guide and are trying to raise 35,000 dollars by December 31st.
The Christmas Family Adoption Foundation makes it possible to support an entire family in need during the holiday season. The PNW families are nominated to receive Christmas gifts from a wishlist. You can contribute in multiple ways on the foundation’s website so if you are unable to adopt a family, you can still support this worthy cause.
Oregon Food Bank is another excellent way to make sure those in need have a warm meal this winter. The organization has extended it’s Giving Tuesday fundraiser, and are also participating in Willamette Weekly’s Give Guide. With 1,400 food pantries all over Oregon and SW Washington, and you can sign up to volunteer and help keep the business thriving on it’s website.
Children’s Book Bank is a wonderful organization to give to around the holidays. This non-profit knows how important books are in children’s lives and has donated over 650,000 books to children in the Portland area. Book donations are being accepted along with monetary contributions, and you can volunteer with Children’s Book Bank virtually.
Store To Door makes sure that seniors and those with disabilities receive the groceries that they need through volunteer grocery shopping and delivery. This busy non-profit is always in need of volunteers and have many different ways that you can contribute. Store To Door has been improving the quality of lives of those in need since 1989.
Rose Haven works to ensure the safety of women, children, and marginalized genders that are experiencing homelessness, poverty, and other traumas. This organization provides a safe and stable community for these individuals, along with health resources and emotional support. Rose Haven’s volunteer positions focus on to-go meals, door-to-door services, and Covid-19 support currently, and there are many ways to donate to this worthy cause on the non-profit’s website.
Sunshine Division is another organization that will be in full swing ensuring that Pacific Northwest families get everything they need this winter. Food donations are always appreciated by this organization (with new Covid restrictions in place), and the non-profit hopes to continue to help families in the Portland area through monetary contributions this holiday season. Sunshine Division’s annual Winter Wonderland event runs from November 27th through January 2nd, and you can enjoy the drive-through light show from the safety of your car.
Sunshine Division organizes this Covid-safe family activity to support a great cause.
West Linn Food Pantry provides West Linn and Lake Oswego families with emergency food donations. They accept curbside food donations every Thursday between 1PM and 6PM at the non-profit’s West Linn location.
Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program gifts new clothing and toys to families for Christmas in the Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington counties. You can donate these items on the organization’s website, and find out more about the many ways this non-profit helps marginalized communities in the Portland Metro area.
Hands-On Greater Portland is an excellent resource for finding out how you can volunteer and get involved this holiday season. This non-profit works to connect volunteers with projects and will help you find the best way to utilize your resources to help our local communities thrive. The site keeps an updated project calendar as well, to keep you updated on when your help is needed.
Please support any of the very worthy causes or those on our partner’s page.
Portland, OR. Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon (FCCO) has launched its annual Season’s Feedings Holiday Cat Food Drive. The food gathered during the drive goes to feral cat caregivers to help feed their feral cats and organizers say the need this year is greater than ever.
5,049 pounds of food were donated during the Season’s Feedings Cat Food Drive in 2019
This year the following local businesses are collecting between November 1st and December 31st. Supporters can also purchase food online to be shipped directly to FCCO.
Happy Tails – Milwaukie: 4370 SE King Rd, Ste. 250-260, Milwaukie. Offering 20% off all food purchased for donation!
ROAR: Due to Covid-19, ROAR has shifted to online-only, but is accepting food donations at their local pick-up site just off Alberta Street (request address) and cash donations toward food online.
*Sellwood Pet Supply: 8334 SE 17th Ave, Portland. *They are collecting cash donations toward food.
As a part of the Season’s Feedings cat food drive, the FCCO is offering free cat food through December and January to caregivers of feral cats that bring cats in to get spayed or neutered. FCCO offers a program to safely spay and neuter stray, feral, and barn cats at no cost or for a suggested donation of $40, and at a small price for pet cats. At the moment because of the Covid-19 pandemic, services are unavailable for pet cats for safety reasons, and appointments must be made to get cats spayed and neutered. All surgeries are done by licensed veterinarians at the FCCO’s South Portland clinic. Along with offering to spay and neuter cats, the organization also offers vaccinations, flea and ear mite treatment, and an eat-tip. FCCO also has a program called Kitten Caboose that works on finding kittens brought in homes to be adopted into.
Just a fraction of the food generously donated by Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon’s community.
This year the organization celebrated 25 years since its inception in 1995, and has spayed and neutered over 100,000 cats since then. Through the Kitten Caboose program, more than 1000 kittens have found homes.
From FCCO:
“Every cat deserves a little holiday gift this year, especially the outdoor feral and stray cats lucky enough to have someone looking after them. Many local businesses are participating in collecting food and generous individuals are purchasing food and donating directly to us.”
Portland, OR. The American Red Cross tests every blood donation for a variety of infections. All blood, platelet, and plasma donations are tested for COVID-19 antibodies. Will the antibody test become an incentive for people to give blood? The Red Cross hopes so. The organization needs donations, particularly convalescent plasma from COVID-19 Survivors.
The American Red Cross is currently urging eligible COVID-19 survivors to give convalescent plasma to help patients battling the virus and can have access to all potentially lifesaving treatments. Convalescent plasma is a type of blood donation, collected from individuals who recovered from COVID-19, that contains antibodies.
Communications Director, April Phillips, explains why convalescent plasma is needed. “We know right now we are seeing a surge of COVID-19 cases across the country and as the number of COVID-19 cases increases, so does the need for convalescent plasma. In fact, our distributions of convalescent plasma to hospitals had increased 250% in November compared to September, and that number continues to rise.”
According to Phillips, if someone is positive for COVID-19 antibodies, this means that they’ve had been exposed to the virus at some point and their body has built up antibodies to help them fight the virus. This doesn’t confirm any sort of immunity, but the plasma from their blood could potentially be helpful to patients who are currently fighting the virus.
On May 29, 2020, in Rockville, Maryland, a Red Cross phlebotomist April Hall works with a donor of convalescent plasma Alisha Wolf. Wolf discovered she was Covid-19 positive while in the hospital to deliver her baby (everyone is now healthy). Photo by Dennis Drenner/American Red Cross
The American Red Cross is testing all blood donations for COVID-19 antibodies and is collecting convalescent plasma at more than 170 locations throughout the country. COVID-19 survivors who donate their plasma have the ability to help up to four patients recover from the virus.
Currently, the American Red Cross is experiencing a shortage of type AB and B convalescent plasma and is asking people who know that they have COVID-19 antibodies to sign up, to donate convalescent plasma, or donate whole blood. Type AB plasma is the only universal plasma type and can be given to patients of any blood type. Individuals interested in donating convalescent plasma can do so by clicking this link.
There are also new safety precautions in place when donating blood. People are required to wear a fabric covering (mask), a temperature check is required and there will be hand sanitizing stations set up throughout the whole time at a blood drive.
Eligible convalescent plasma donors can give with the Red Cross every seven days for up to three months. To be eligible to give convalescent plasma an individual must be:
In good health and generally feel well.
Have a prior, verified diagnosis of COVID-19, but are now symptom-free and fully recovered from COVID-19 and at least 14 days from the last date of symptoms.
On April 24, 2020, in Baltimore, Maryland, a Red Cross phlebotomist collects lifesaving blood products during the COVID-19 outbreak while working a shift at the Mount Hope Blood Donation Center. Photo by Dennis Drenner/American Red Cross
Individuals must meet all regular blood donation requirements plus some additional criteria. Individuals who have fully recovered from COVID-19 and would like to help should first complete a Donor Request form online. If they are eligible to give, an American Red Cross representative will contact them to schedule a donation appointment at a Red Cross or another blood collection organization facility.
Donating convalescent plasma is different from a whole blood donation; the plasma is donated using an apheresis process where blood is drawn from one arm and sent through a high-tech machine that collects the plasma and then safely and comfortably returns red cells and platelets back to the person. This process is longer than donating whole blood and does take more time.
Phillips’ aunt this past summer received convalescent plasma while hospitalized for COVID-19 and encourages others to donate plasma. “You just don’t know, what your donation could mean to the family and to the person who’s been battling coronavirus, it’s a little bit of time, but it could make a world of difference for a patient.”
On April 22, 2020, in Rockville, Maryland, a Red Cross blood donor rolls up a sleeve to give blood during the COVID-19 outbreak at the Rockville Donation Center in Maryland. Photo by Dennis Drenner/American Red Cross
Thousands of American Red Cross drives have been canceled as community organizations and businesses are restricting access to many locations. The need for blood is constant; individuals who don’t have COVID-19 but would like to still help can do so by donating their blood or host a drive to help ensure a stable blood supply during the pandemic.
More research is needed before definite conclusions can be drawn; however, the American Red Cross is aware of several studies and articles that found a correlation between blood type and susceptibility to COVID-19. There is some evidence that shows lower COVID-19 infection rates for those with blood type O.
From the American Red Cross website: The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.
Hillsboro, OR. First Tech Federal Credit Union is awarding more than $419,000 in grants to 40 nonprofit organizations in Washington, Oregon, and California. In Oregon, First Tech awarded $195,500 to 17 community organizations. “Hunger isn’t just a lone empty belly; it’s a community-wide symptom of systemic barriers to employment, housing, healthcare, and more,” shared Susannah Morgan, Oregon Food Bank CEO. “With strong community support like the First Tech Innovation Grant, we can remove these barriers and help end hunger in our communities — especially among people of color and others who disproportionately experience poverty here in Oregon.”
Oregon First Tech employees also lend a hand in-person to help local organizations, like the Hillsboro Public Library.
Oregon First Tech Innovation Grant partners include:
Bienestar, Hillsboro; $5,000to support the COVID-19 Response Communications Project, implementing new and innovative technology solutions to quickly distribute reliable, bilingual information about COVID-19 to Bienestar residents.
Bradley Angle, Portland; $5,000to support the Survivor Assistance Fund, providing resources for domestic abuse survivors to obtain stable housing.
Clackamas Service Center Inc., Portland; $5,000to support the COVID-19 Responsive Community Nutrition program, addressing food insecurity with customized food boxes.
Clackamas Women’s Services, Oregon City; $4,000 to provide an innovative model of delivery for emergency shelter and support services for victims of domestic and sexual violence during COVID-19.
Coalition for Communities of Color, Portland; $5,000to support The Research Justice Institute, engaging with its culturally specific member organizations to co-construct a data justice strategy.
Community Action Organization, Hillsboro; $7,500 to provide emergency rent and utility assistance to protect low-income families that lost income due to evictions and homelessness during COVID-19.
Friends of the Children – Portland, Portland; $10,000to support the No Matter What Initiative, providing professional mentorship and essential relationships for 500+ youth over the next 12 months.
Growing Gardens, Portland; $5,000to support the Youth Grow and Home Gardens programs, ensuring that low-income families and children have access to healthy food and positive food resources during COVID-19.
Marion-Polk Food Share Inc., Salem; $7,000 to support the Nourishing Neighbors Through Food Distribution/Production Programs to increase access to healthy food for all people in Marion and Polk counties.
Oregon Food Bank Inc., Portland; $75,000 to support the Emerge Stronger Systems Change Project, a year-round civic engagement effort.
Partners for a Hunger Free Oregon, Portland;$5,000in general operating funds to expand food access during and after the pandemic.
Portland Homeless Family Solutions, Portland; $5,000 in general operating support of the 24-hour Family Village shelter for families with children.
Raphael House of Portland, Portland; $22,000to support the 2020 Virtual Gala, which helped raise funds for over 400 adults and children who rely on the Raphael House for shelter, housing, food and hygiene supplies, safety planning, financial aid, and more.
Store to Door, Portland; $5,000to Support A Week 2020, engaging community partners in a way that directly supports the clients and the grocery delivery service that meets their needs each week.
Urban Gleaners, Portland; $15,000to the 2021 Food Recovery to Fight Childhood Food Insecurity Initiative, fighting against childhood food insecurity by providing free and nutritious food to families.
Willamette West – Habitat for Humanity, Hillsboro; $10,000to support the 2021 Critical Home Repair Program, assisting homeowners in need of critical repairs that they cannot afford due to their income level.
With Love Oregon, Tigard;$5,000to the Retro Fitting Warehouse Space Initiative, as well as purchasing and distributing new mattresses to foster families.
Washington First Tech Innovation Grant Partners:
First Tech designated $101,000 in Washington to support community organizations; Washington First Tech Innovation Grant partners include:
Bellevue LifeSpring, Bellevue; $5,000to support Bellevue LifeSpring COVID-19 Food Response, providing Safeway vouchers for students who relied on free and reduced-price meals at school prior to the pandemic.
EastWest Food Rescue, Redmond; $12,500 to fund a cold storage trailer for perishable foods including dairy, meat, fruit, and frozen foods that help address food insecurity in local communities.
FareStart, Seattle; $5,000to support the Community Meals/Emergency Meals program, promoting food security for Seattle-area youth and adults during the COVID-19 crisis.
Food Lifeline, Seattle; $10,000to aid the Regional Food Equity Initiative, providing farm workers and indigenous people with access to more culturally appropriate foods through COVID-19 response emergency mobile food distributions.
Friends of the Children – Seattle, Seattle; $10,000to respond to food insecurity by delivering food and essential supplies to families in King County during COVID-19.
Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank, Issaquah; $3,500to youth programming, providing low barrier access to healthy, kid-friendly foods for students and families each week that school would normally be in session throughout the at-home learning phase.
Hopelink, Redmond; $10,000 to provide tools and resources for impoverished families to find financial stability.
Mary’s Place, Seattle; $5,000 to Popsicle Place, providing families with medically fragile children access to private rooms with 24-hour access, nutritious meals, supportive care coordination, and medical staff and volunteers.
Northwest Harvest, Seattle; $5,000to provide curbside service of pre-bagged groceries for more than 4,000 people per week via the SODO Community Market, as well as biweekly pantry services via the Mobile Food Bank.
Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission, Seattle;$10,000to provide for the urgent physical needs of homeless individuals, starting them on a path out of homelessness and into a healthy life.
The Pike Place Market Foundation, Seattle; $5,000 to the Market Foundation, addressing food security for Market-area and downtown families by providing access to a food bank, subsidized CSA, and reduced-price shopping programs.
West Seattle Food Bank, Seattle; $5,000to the Emergency Rent & Utility Assistance Program to prevent eviction and homelessness for 1,300 individuals, utilizing technology to increase capacity and accessibility.
YWCA Clark County, Vancouver; $15,000to offset the impact of the pandemic with general operating support and for capacity building efforts.
California First Tech Innovation Grant Partners:
First Tech designated $122,750 in California to support community organizations; California First Tech Innovation Grant partners include:
Center for Excellence in Nonprofits, Redwood City; $10,000to support the CEN Bay Area Capacity Building Initiative, aiding organizations that offer integral resources and training to communities hit hardest by the pandemic.
Friends of the Children – SF BAY AREA, San Francisco; $10,000to support the Innovative Access to Nutritional Resources Project, providing high-quality produce to local families who live in food deserts.
Placer Food Bank, Roseville; $10,000to provide technology upgrades, allowing for efficient and effective communication with volunteers, hunger-relief partners and donors.
Raphael House of San Francisco Inc., San Francisco; $14,000to fund the Residential Shelter and Bridge Services, providing families who are struggling with homelessness a safe, stable home where the entire family receives crucial support services to break the cycle of poverty and emerge from homelessness permanently.
Sacred Heart Community Service, San Jose; $5,000to the Building Equitable Food Systems project, providing low-income residents with the necessary materials to grow an organic garden in their home.
Second Harvest of Silicon Valley, San Jose; $40,000to aid 2020-2021 general operating support to feed families.
Amigos de Guadalupe Center for Justice and Empowerment, San Jose;$6,250to support the Safe Park Program, providing a safe place to sleep for people experiencing homelessness.
Southwest YMCA, San Jose;$6,250to support the Safe Park Program and emergency financial assistance for families experiencing homelessness due to the pandemic.
Valley Verde, San Jose; $15,000 to support community food systems through a combination of urban gardening and entrepreneurship to build healthier, more self-sufficient communities.
West Valley Community Service, San Jose;$6,250to support the Safe Park Program and emergency financial assistance to support families impacted most by the pandemic.
From First Tech Federal Credit Union:
ABOUT FIRST TECH FEDERAL CREDIT UNION’S COMMUNITY COMMITMENT First Tech Federal Credit Union is committed to supporting the next generation of leaders, thinkers and innovators. In 2019, First Tech provided $3.29 million in charitable giving and more than 30,000 employee volunteer hours to the community; directing dollars and time to nonprofit partners who provide programs and services to children and families in need. First Tech’s philanthropic focus areas include support for education (STEM, early childhood literacy, financial education and scholarships), research (Credit Union for Kids and Supportive Health Service) and innovation (food, safety and shelter). Visit www.firsttechfed.com/community to learn more about the ways First Tech pays it forward throughout the year.
ABOUT FIRST TECH FEDERAL CREDIT UNION First Tech Federal Credit Union is a $14+ billion institution headquartered in San Jose, California. It is the nation’s premier credit union serving the world’s leading technology-oriented companies and their employees, including HP Inc., Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Microsoft, Agilent, Intel, Cisco, Amazon, Nike, Intuit, Google, and more. First Tech is recognized as the industry catalyst for delivering effortless banking experiences to more than 620,000 members through its 39 branch locations, more than 5,600 CO-OP Shared Branch locations, 30,000 CO-OP Network ATMs, and online platforms. First Tech offers a full range of financial services, including traditional banking, online banking, mortgages, financial planning, various consumer loans, and insurance services. Federally insured by NCUA. Equal Housing Lender. For more information, visit www.firsttechfed.com.
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