Portland, OR. United Way of the Columbia-Willamette worked ahead of the curve to raise over $600,000 in response to the emerging needs due to the COVID-19 outbreak in the community. It began distributing the funds to needy people in April. “We have been overwhelmed with requests for assistance and receipt of in-kind goods,” noted Cindy Adams, President and CEO. “We have continued to leverage our strong partnerships with culturally responsive and culturally specific nonprofits in the community to distribute funding and in-kind goods to individuals and families who have been impacted the most by the pandemic.” Thanks to the help of its partners, United Way has continued to provide access to assistance in short-term housing, utilities, and access to food.
Here’s a video update from the organization:
The nonprofit focuses specifically on racial and ethnic equity by assisting local families and kid’s projects. Its programs include education-based projects aimed at increasing graduation rates for students of color, and financial assistance for healthcare and housing for families.
United Way (UW) staffer delivers in-kind donations to the Q Center in Portland.
The organization adapted quickly to an online business model, due to a previously in-place telecommuting policy that ensured resources and technology were available for the transition. United Way has done its best to navigate the lack of social contact, making the most of technology like Zoom, virtual cards, and phone calls.
LCSA_UW partner: Members of Labor’s Community Service Agency, a United Way nonprofit partner that received Safety Net funding in response to the pandemic, deliver food boxes to families in need.
As donations continue to come in during the nonprofit’s annual workplace campaign season, the organization will distribute the funds to partners assisting those in need as the community navigates the pandemic. Details of the distribution of funds to organizations can be found here.
Cindy Adams expects the needs of the community to continue to grow. She added, “United Way of the Columbia-Willamette is committed to helping our community transition from response to recovery and then rebuilding a community that is more resilient than ever before. We ask that our community, your readers, stay safe, be well, and think about how we can help those who are maybe less fortunate than ourselves.
United Way of the Columbia-Willamette has been bringing our community together to do good for nearly 100 years.
We connect the people, nonprofits, businesses and government agencies addressing poverty in our region.
Our Mission:
Improve lives, strengthen communities and advance equity by mobilizing the caring power of people across our metro area.
We’re working hard to create a future where kids in our region are free from instability and worry so they can be free to play and discover, free to learn and grow.
Free from poverty. Free to reach their potential.
Right now, 20% of kids in the Portland region live in poverty and 1 in 3 families can’t pay for basic needs.
That’s 1 in 7 kids whose families must choose between:
• Rent or groceries
• Heat or healthcare
• New clothes or TriMet fare
Together, we can make our region a better place for everyone.
With your support, we can continue investing in our region’s schools, families and communities.
Schools for Kids
More students are showing up prepared for the first day of kindergarten than ever before.
New preschool classrooms are being built, particularly addressing culturally-specific communities.
Graduation rates are increasing for students of color with the help of community partners.
Families for Kids
Families receive the assistance they need to help pay for basic needs like rent and food on the table.
Many families are staying housed one year after receiving service.
With free tax services from our partners, working families are receiving important tax credits to remain financially stable.
Communities for Kids
Through Hands on Greater Portland, United Way’s volunteer program, thousands of volunteers are connected to meaningful projects being held throughout our region.
The value of service from our volunteers equates to hundreds of thousands of dollars put back into the community.
Hundreds of local organizations are receiving service from our volunteers.
When we understand the causes of poverty in our region, we have a better chance of finding solutions. By partnering with local organizations and providing opportunities to convene and mobilize, United Way can address the different areas of need in our community and find strategies that will create the strongest impact.
Portland, OR. Christmas Ship owners are getting ready to set sail for their 64th year as residents make plans to watch the colorful flotillas during the parade’s 2018 holiday season. The Christmas Ship Parade will launch Friday, November 30th, in North Portland Harbor. The parade will run for 15 nights through Thursday, December 20th. The flotilla has six nights off, so check the Columbia and Willamette River schedules.
The boats, 14 to 65 feet long, are brightly decorated for the holiday season. Up to 60 holiday boats are expected to make up the two fleets. The schedule details for each night list some of the best viewing locations. Sometimes that may be from a shoreline park or it may be from the warmth of a restaurant overlooking the river. On the Willamette, you always have the opportunity to see the ships from a dinner cruise. If you have boat that can run at a speed of at least 6 knots, and you decorate your watercraft, you’re welcome to join the Christmas Ships parade for one night or all nights. To see some of the benefits of joining the parade, visit: Benefits. To sign up, visit: Sign Up.
2018 Columbia & Willamette River Downloadable Parade Schedules:
The privately owned vessels come from Portland, Vancouver, McMinnville, Salem and Hood River areas. Some of the ships owners have been part of Christmas tradition for more than 30 years with many being part of the Christmas Ship fleet for over 20 years. Each skipper is responsible for their own expenses, including fuel and insurance for their vessels over the two weeks. This can run into the hundreds of dollars, which in itself is a testament to the dedication and enthusiasm the Christmas Ship skippers bring to the organization, and the community. The organization accepts donations to help cover the cost of maintaining, managing and promoting the organization, but none of these donations go to the skippers, their crews, or their boats. Christmas Ships, Inc. is an all-volunteer organization, with no paid staff or officers, just a large group of friendly individual volunteers/skippers who give back to the community they love.
All of us from the Christmas Ship group urge your support to keep the Parade afloat. Your donation helps to sustain the parade that sails on the Columbiaand Willamette Rivers annually. Our lighted boats bring holiday spirit to thousands of viewers in the area and a showcase event for your customers and guests.
Our members pay all of their own expenses, from decorations to operating costs. It is a huge time commitment but we all enjoy the Parade season. Donated funds help to defray the cost of administering, maintaining and promoting our non-profit organization. Christmas Ships, Inc. is an all-volunteer organization, there are no paid staff, all donations are returned to the community through the continued existence of the Christmas Ship Parade.
This website is used extensively by our visitors to make reservations for restaurants to watch the Christmas Ship Parade and to plan home parties to view the fleet. Please consider sending your donation today.
We thank you in advance for your help in making this year’s Christmas Parade the best ever. We list our contributors on our Supporters page (unless you choose to remain anonymous).
Christmas Ships, Inc. is a tax exempt organization. EIN #93-1157902
Although we are a non-profit organization (with IRS 501(c)(4) status), we are not a charitable organization. Personal donations are most likely not tax deductible. Please check with your tax professional.
For those that don’t want to donate online (via Paypal), checks can be mailed to:
Christmas Ships, Inc PO Box 55331 Portland, OR 97238-55331
Portland, December 6th, 2014. This year will mark the 60th anniversary of Portland’s Christmas Ships Parade. Volunteers are making it easier for crowds to track the fleet. On parade nights, a crew member from each fleet will be sending out live tweets. Those tweets will provide real time updates. Each tweet will contain either “#WillametteFleet” or “#ColumbiaFleet.” Those tweets can be seen on the Christmas Ship home page or directly from the Twitter feed. The fleet is much like the post office, members forge ahead through rain, snow, and of course, dark of night. Organizers say, “The increase contact we see through the web page here, as well as through our Facebook page and Twitter feed, further cement the incredible interest shown for this event. Christmas Ships Parade fans not only show up to visit us in all sorts of weather, but they’re actively involved in communicating with the leadership, sharing pictures and videos, making donations, and offering suggestions. You support is invaluable, and we thank you for all you do for us.” Below is the schedule for both the Columbia and Willamette Rivers.
Willamette River Schedule:
Monday, Dec. 8th – Milwaukie – 7:00PM
The Willamette Fleet assembles in front of RiverPlace Marina, (1750 SW Harbor Way, Portland) at 7:00PM and travels upriver to the area of the Milwaukie Boat Ramp. The fleet will arrive about 7:45PM and about 8:15P the fleet turns downriver and returns to RiverPlace Marina. On the nights that Oregon Yacht Club is listed, the fleet will go in below Oaks Park and in front of the floating homes on the way back to RiverPlace.
Tuesday, Dec. 9th – OMSI to Fremont Bridge – 7:00PM
At 7:00PM, the Willamette Fleet assembles in front of Riverplace Marina, (1750 SW Harbor Way, Portland). The parade will begin in the OMSI/Riverplace area before heading upstream to the Spaghetti Factory then head downriver to the area of the Fremont Bridge The fleet will go under the bridge and then return to Riverplace Marina. The fleet will be out for about two hours.
The Willamette Fleet assembles in front of RiverPlace Marina, (1750 SW Harbor Way, Portland) at 7:00PM and travels upriver to the area of the Milwaukie Boat Ramp. The fleet will arrive about 7:45PM and about 8:15P the fleet turns downriver and returns to RiverPlace Marina. On the nights that Oregon Yacht Club is listed, the fleet will go in below Oaks Park and in front of the floating homes on the way back to RiverPlace.
Thursday, Dec. 11th – OMSI to Fremont Bridge – 7:00PM
At 7:00PM, the Willamette Fleet assembles in front of Riverplace Marina, (1750 SW Harbor Way, Portland). The parade will begin in the OMSI/Riverplace area before heading upstream to the Spaghetti Factory then head downriver to the area of the Fremont Bridge The fleet will go under the bridge and then return to Riverplace Marina. The fleet will be out for about two hours.
Friday, Dec. 12th – Milwaukie, Oregon Yacht Club – 7:00PM
The Willamette Fleet assembles in front of RiverPlace Marina, (1750 SW Harbor Way, Portland) at 7:00PM and travels upriver to the area of the Milwaukie Boat Ramp. The fleet will arrive about 7:45PM and about 8:15P the fleet turns downriver and returns to RiverPlace Marina. On the nights that Oregon Yacht Club is listed, the fleet will go in below Oaks Park and in front of the floating homes on the way back to RiverPlace.
Saturday, Dec. 13th – St Helens, Columbia City, Columbia Riverfront RV Park (WA side) – 6:00PM
At 6:000PM, both fleets will assemble at the St. Helens City Docks and head downriver to Columbia City, and weather/river conditions permitting crosses to the WA side and the Columbia Riverfront RV Park, then returns to St. Helens City Docks. The fleet is out about two hours. Ships remain overnight at St. Helens City Docks and leave Sunday for the trip up Multnomah Channel.
The combined Willamette and Columbia fleets will depart from Coon Island at 4:30pm and arrive in the Scappoose area at approximately 5:00pm. They will travel up the Multnomah Channel to the Fred’s Marina area. This is a long run with the ships arriving at Fred’s Marina at approximately 8:30pm. From there, the fleet will disperse to their respective moorages.
Tuesday, Dec. 16th – OMSI to Fremont Bridge – 7:00PM
At 7:00PM, the Willamette Fleet assembles in front of Riverplace Marina, (1750 SW Harbor Way, Portland). The parade will begin in the OMSI/Riverplace area before heading upstream to the Spaghetti Factory then head downriver to the area of the Fremont Bridge The fleet will go under the bridge and then return to Riverplace Marina. The fleet will be out for about two hours.
The Willamette Fleet assembles in front of RiverPlace Marina, (1750 SW Harbor Way, Portland) at 7:00PM and travels upriver to the area of the Milwaukie Boat Ramp. The fleet will arrive about 7:45PM and about 8:15P the fleet turns downriver and returns to RiverPlace Marina. On the nights that Oregon Yacht Club is listed, the fleet will go in below Oaks Park and in front of the floating homes on the way back to RiverPlace.
Thursday, Dec. 18th – OMSI to Fremont Bridge – 7:00PM
At 7:00PM, the Willamette Fleet assembles in front of Riverplace Marina, (1750 SW Harbor Way, Portland). The parade will begin in the OMSI/Riverplace area before heading upstream to the Spaghetti Factory then head downriver to the area of the Fremont Bridge The fleet will go under the bridge and then return to Riverplace Marina. The fleet will be out for about two hours.
Friday, Dec. 19th – Milwaukie, Oregon Yacht Club – 7:00PM
The Willamette Fleet assembles in front of RiverPlace Marina, (1750 SW Harbor Way, Portland) at 7:00PM and travels upriver to the area of the Milwaukie Boat Ramp. The fleet will arrive about 7:45PM and about 8:15P the fleet turns downriver and returns to RiverPlace Marina. On the nights that Oregon Yacht Club is listed, the fleet will go in below Oaks Park and in front of the floating homes on the way back to RiverPlace.
At 5:00PM, both fleets will leave RiverPlace Marina(downtown Portland) headed to Lake Oswego, arriving about 6:15P – 6:30, subject to weather and river conditions. The ships will go as far as George Rogers Park and turn back to Portland.
At 5:00PM, the Willamette and Columbia Fleets assemble in front of RiverPlace Marina, (1750 SW Harbor Way, Portland). The parade will begin in the OMSI/Riverplace area and proceed upstream to the Spaghetti Factory before heading downriver to St. John’s arriving at approximately 6:30 PM and remain in the area for about 30 minutes. The parade will then continue on to the Columbia River and each boat owners home port. The arrival times are dependent upon bridge openings that are beyond the control of the Christmas Ships. Please check our Twitter feed for updates to our time and location.
At 7:00PM, the Columbia Fleet assembles in front of James M. Gleason Boat Ramp, 43rd/NE Marine Drive and turns at the east end of the parking lot to head downriver to the I-5 Bridge Area including Grandma’s Cove, arriving at approximately 7:30 PM at Beaches, and Hayden Bay approximately 8:45 PM.
Tuesday, Dec. 9th – James Gleason Boat Ramp/WA Shores/Wintler Park/I-5 Bridge area – 7:00PM
At 7:00PM, the Columbia Fleet assembles in front of James M. Gleason Boat Ramp, 43rd/NE Marine Drive and remains for about the first half hour, then heads across the river to the Washington Shoreline until about 8pm. Then heads downriver to the I-5 Bridge Area, arriving at approximately 8:15 PM.
At 7:00PM the Columbia Fleet assembles in front of James M. Gleason Boat Ramp, 43rd/NE Marine Drive and departs upriver to the I-205 Bridge area by Steamboat Landing and up to about the 164th St. location before turning downriver.
Thursday, Dec. 11th – I-5 Bridge area/Hayden Bay – 7:00PM
At 7:00 PM the fleet will assemble in front of James M. Gleason Boat Ramp, 43rd/NE Marine Drive and turns at the east end of the parking lot to head downriver to the I-5 Bridge Area, arriving at approximately 7:30 PM.
Friday, Dec. 12th – North Portland Harbor – 7:00PM
At 7:00PM, the fleet will assemble in the area of the James. M Gleason boat ramp, (NE 43rd/Marine Dr), and then head downriver to North Portland Harbor. North Portland Harbor is located on the Oregon side of Hayden Island.
Saturday, Dec. 13th – St Helens, Columbia City, Columbia Riverfront RV Park (WA side) – 6:00PM
At 6:000PM, both fleets will assemble at the St. Helens City Docks and head downriver to Columbia City, and weather/river conditions permitting crosses to the WA side and the Columbia Riverfront RV Park, then returns to St. Helens City Docks. The fleet is out about two hours. Ships remain overnight at St. Helens City Docks and leave Sunday for the trip up Multnomah Channel.
The combined Willamette and Columbia fleets will depart from Coon Island at 4:30pm and arrive in the Scappoose area at approximately 5:00pm. They will travel up the Multnomah Channel to the Fred’s Marina area. This is a long run with the ships arriving at Fred’s Marina at approximately 8:30pm. From there, the fleet will disperse to their respective moorages.
At 7:00PM, the Columbia Fleet assembles in front of James M. Gleason Boat Ramp, 43rd/NE Marine Drive and turns at the east end of the parking lot to head downriver to the I-5 Bridge Area including Grandma’s Cove, arriving at approximately 7:30 PM at Beaches, and Hayden Bay approximately 8:45 PM.
Wednesday, Dec. 17th – James Gleason Boat Ramp/WA Shores/Wintler Park/I-5 Bridge area – 7:00PM
At 7:00PM, the Columbia Fleet assembles in front of James M. Gleason Boat Ramp, 43rd/NE Marine Drive and remains for about the first half hour, then heads across the river to the Washington Shoreline until about 8pm. Then heads downriver to the I-5 Bridge Area, arriving at approximately 8:15 PM.
Thursday, Dec. 18th – I-5 Bridge area/Hayden Bay – 7:00PM
At 7:00 PM the fleet will assemble in front of James M. Gleason Boat Ramp, 43rd/NE Marine Drive and turns at the east end of the parking lot to head downriver to the I-5 Bridge Area, arriving at approximately 7:30 PM.
Friday, Dec. 19th – North Portland Harbor – 7:00PM
At 7:00PM, the fleet will assemble in the area of the James. M Gleason boat ramp, (NE 43rd/Marine Dr), and then head downriver to North Portland Harbor. North Portland Harbor is located on the Oregon side of Hayden Island.
At 5:00PM, both fleets will leave RiverPlace Marina(downtown Portland) headed to Lake Oswego, arriving about 6:15P – 6:30, subject to weather and river conditions. The ships will go as far as George Rogers Park and turn back to Portland.
At 5:00PM, the Willamette and Columbia Fleets assemble in front of RiverPlace Marina, (1750 SW Harbor Way, Portland). The parade will begin in the OMSI/Riverplace area and proceed upstream to the Spaghetti Factory before heading downriver to St. John’s arriving at approximately 6:30 PM and remain in the area for about 30 minutes. The parade will then continue on to the Columbia River and each boat owners home port. The arrival times are dependent upon bridge openings that are beyond the control of the Christmas Ships. Please check our Twitter feed for updates to our time and location.
Portland, July 29th. “Get into your river” was the theme of the 2nd annual Big Float . Over 1,400 people hopped into the Willamette River, according to organizer Will Levenson. (Photo credit, Lisa Loving, News Editor of The Skanner) The goal of event is to support river preservation and healthy development of the Willamette as a recreational resource, and have a whale of a good time. The Big Float is a benefit for Willamette Riverkeeper.
Open to all ages, the event begins with a parade. Floaters gather near the east entrance to the Hawthorne Bridge, then carry or wear their flotation devices across the bridge, march south along Waterfront Park and finally launch into the river at the beach area beneath the Marquam Bridge.
The Big Float is an opportunity for the people of Portland to partake in a public display of affection for the Willamette.
Will Levenson was offering “Free Hugs”. He’s the high spirited organizer of The Big Float.
Despite public perception, the Willamette River is approved for swimming, except in the now rare instances when Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) conditions are present. According to DEQ, with the Big Pipe project now complete, it’s expected that a CSO will occur only once every two summers.
This year featured a paddlers parade, kayakers, canoeists, dragon boaters, and crew teams.
A few four-legged friends made the Willamette River Crossing.
Floaters said the water was pretty warm. They headed east across the river and proceeded downstream to the landing area, where swimming was allowed.
Live music was featured on water as well as on land for an after-party.
A Great Crossing celebration featured live music by local bands, plus food carts, exhibits and sponsor booths and a children’s area sponsored by the Grand Ronde Tribes with native American crafts.
Here’s a The Big Float video:
From Willamette Riverkeeper:
Willamette Riverkeeper is a non-profit organization whose sole mission is to protect and restore the Willamette River. We believe that a river with good water quality and abundant natural habitat is a basic public right. The Willamette River belongs to all of us and should be protected as such.
We invite you to take a look around our website and get to know more about the Willamette River and our Programs. Join us for a Saturday paddle trip, a volunteer training, or sign up for our action alert list and stay up to date on issues affecting our river.
Thank you to Lisa Loving, News Editor of The Skanner.
NONPROFIT BENEFIT TICKET GIVEAWAYS!
Sign up for our free weekly highlights for the chance to win two tickets terrific nonprofit events! If you "like" us on facebook, or sign up for our weekly news highlights, you'll be entered to win! Sign up today!
Look for another ticket giveaway soon! Are you a nonprofit looking to bolster your publicity with facebook and tweets? Email us and we'll run a contest with tickets to your event! [email protected]
Download the Columbia River Parade Schedule
