Vancouver, WA. Bank of America is kicking off 2022 with a donation to the Oregon Food Bank and Clark County Food Bank. For each employee who gets their booster shot and notifies the bank before January 31, 2022, the bank will donate $100 to the local hunger relief organizations. (Clark County Food Bank volunteers are seen above sorting produce.) According to Oregon Food Bank officials, since the start of the pandemic, they’ve seen nearly double the number of people seeking assistance.
Oregon Food Bank Network officials say communities that have experienced disproportionate rates of hunger have been hit especially hard: people of color, immigrants and refugees, trans and gender-nonconforming communities, and single moms and caregivers.
The move to get employees boosted shows how companies are reacting to soaring Covid-19 cases by trying to incentivize their workforces to get fully vaccinated and boosted.
“This is a direct investment in your health, and in the wellbeing of the communities where we work and live,” Bank of America executives wrote in the memo. “Medical experts and health officials continue to emphasize that receiving a booster shot is critical to protecting your health and safety, and that of your family, friends and community.” In a memo, Bank of America officials said they will direct a $100 donation to local food banks and hunger relief organizations for each employee who updates their booster card info in the employee vaccine portal before the end of January.
Bank of America does not have a vaccine mandate but strongly encourages employees to get fully vaccinated, including boosters.
According to CNN, some companies have offered bonuses to vaccinated workers. Last August, amid the Delta wave, Vanguard offered employees $1,000 to get vaccinated. Bank of America said it plans to host several on-site booster clinics across the country this month for employees.
Brian Kropp, head of Gartner’s human resources practice, said companies need to offer both carrots and sticks to get employees vaccinated.
“For employees that are vaccinate hesitant, $100, $200 or $300 worth of incentives doesn’t seem to be enough to get them over their concerns,” Kropp told CNN in an email. “While a donation to a charity is a good thing for companies to pursue, most employees would prefer to get $100 cash.”
Eleanor Bloxham, founder and CEO of The Value Alliance and Corporate Governance Alliance, a firm that advises boards on corporate governance practices, said, “This is a very positive example of good corporate citizenship that I would hope others would emulate. Good for the company: good for the community.”
Bank of America said this effort could direct up to $10 million to fight hunger across America and is on top of the bank’s ongoing commitment to the cause. Bank of America said it has donated nearly $150 million toward hunger relief since 2015.
“Millions of Americans suffer from food insecurity each day,” Bank of America said in the memo. “The pandemic has not only increased the challenges faced by many American families, but also the non-profit organizations who deliver vital resources to families across the country.”
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. 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. The Oregon Food Bank was one of six Oregon nonprofits that benefited from the generosity of First Tech Federal Credit Union. Members, employees and the community came together for the annual signature ‘Season of Giving’ campaign in December. First Tech launched its annual giving campaign seven years ago to illuminate the collective impact people and organizations can make when working together.
Through in-branch and online voting in Oregon, Washington, California and beyond, First Tech employees, members and the community played a role in allocating funds and employee volunteer hours. More than $200,000 and thousands of volunteer hours went to support 43 nonprofit organizations.
“There is no better way to end the year than by bringing our employees and members together to give back to the communities we serve,” said Greg Mitchell, First Tech President and CEO. “We’re proud to support so many organizations that are dedicated to creating stronger, healthier communities with our ‘Season of Giving’ campaign as well as through additional philanthropic efforts throughout the year.”
Front runners in the ‘Season of Giving’ voting campaign include Oregon Food Bank ($24,500), going beyond providing fresh, healthy food to Oregon families by championing self-reliance through nutrition programs.
“At Oregon Food Bank, we believe we can build resilient communities that never go hungry,” said Susannah Morgan, CEO. We are thankful for our early and long-standing partnership with First Tech Federal Credit Union in creating an Oregon without hunger.”
Other nonprofit recipients in Oregon included OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. (Portland), SMART Reading (Portland), Marion-Polk Food Share (Salem), PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at Riverbend (Springfield) and FOOD for Lane County (Eugene).
By focusing on nonprofits working to improve the health and education of children and families, First Tech is committing to building a legacy of impact so communities can thrive for generations to come.
Additional partners supported through First Tech’s ‘Season of Giving’ campaign include the following organizations, among many others throughout and beyond the country:
California: UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital-Oakland ($23,320), Boys and Girls Clubs of Silicon Valley ($9,160) and Valley Verde ($9,160)
First Tech Federal Credit Union is committed to supporting the next generation of leaders, thinkers and innovators. In 2018, First Tech provided$3.2 million in charitable giving and more than 35,000 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 and financial education), research (Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and supportive health services for children) and innovation (food, shelter and safety). Visit firsttechfed.com/community to learn more about the ways First Tech pays it forward throughout the year.
First Tech Federal Credit Union is a $12+ 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 41 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 w ww.firsttechfed.com.
Portland, OR. Did you know that 43% of Oregonians volunteered in 2018? Many volunteered at Human Solutions to help ensure that homeless and low-income families can build pathways out of poverty. Oregon ranks third in the nation, behind Utah and Minnesota for the percentage of the population that volunteers. In city rankings, Portland ranks fifth of all cities with 44% of citizens volunteering. (The full list of rankings is included in this story, near the end. In last place: Florida.)
We’d like to tip our hats to those who give of their time for others! Thank you!
We’ve got some idea for volunteering this holiday season if you’d like to join the crew, there are hundreds of opportunities. Hands-on Greater Portland is a great place to start. You can sort by date, interest, location, etc.
We have a list of over 150 local nonprofit partners with live links on our Partners Page. All your favorites are there! Like Meals on Wheels. Here’s a video about their program:
You can check out organizations that offer special holiday volunteer opportunities by interest, like the following:
Portland Animal Welfare Portland Animal Welfare (PAW) hosts monthly clinics that offer free veterinary services to the homeless and impoverished. Medical, creative and logistical volunteers are always needed. Volunteers are always welcome at rescue shelter Animal Aid and the Oregon Humane Society.
Helping the Homeless Bridgetown Inc. helps Portland’s homeless population. You can volunteer at its weekly Night Strike event that brings food, clothing, haircuts, and supplies to people under the Burnside Bridge. There are also opportunities to help at Portland Homeless Family Solutions shelters and with local service-providing organization Outside In.
Oregon Food Bank Keeping the pantry stocked at the Oregon Food Bank is a big job that typically falls to volunteers. Sign up as an individual or as a group.
Friends of Trees Keep Portland and the surrounding area green with Friends of Trees, which is always looking for volunteers to plant trees in local soil.
Meals on Wheels People Volunteer to deliver hot meals to the homebound elderly for the holidays with Meals on Wheels People, which is looking for volunteers now. You can also use your car to give rides to the elderly or disabled with Ride Connection.
Helping a Home A home can be a meaningful thing – it can also be pretty costly. You can help by volunteering at the ReBuilding Center, a Portland organization that reclaims and recycles rebuilding and remodeling materials, selling them at a low cost. For the home decor side of things, there’s Community Warehouse, which provides basic household furnishings to Portland’s more vulnerable populations.
Here’s a list of the national volunteer statistics from the Corporation for National and Community Service:
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