Dear friend,
Jen Ransdell is one of our rock star volunteers, and she has the ability to connect with everyone she meets. She began volunteering in January of this year and has since become a smiling and welcome presence at Preston’s Pantry. Her positive attitude and ability to put fellow volunteers and clients at ease has been an asset to Lift UP.
“This may sound funny but after my first volunteer shift at the warehouse, I came home and said, ‘Lift UP is totally Punk Rock, a perfect fit for my volunteering.’ I found Lift UP fit my style of working together as a team. Everyone is committed and approachable, and feel like real people doing the work,” Jen told us.
Since then, Jen has volunteered for an incredible 129 hours! Her ability to move from task to task at Preston’s Pantry with grace and positivity is inspiring to all of us.
Lift UP Program Manager Teresa Steichen says “Jenn is one of the people in this world that make it a better day just by showing up. Her enthusiasm and kindness is genuine. She will be missed by staff, volunteers, and clients alike. She made a big impact.”
Jen recently took a position at Blanchet House as the volunteer coordinator and while she won’t be working directly with Lift UP anymore, she’ll always be part of our family!
“It is bittersweet to move on, as I so enjoy the Lift UP community. I made connections and find the services so essential, providing for the community members facing food shortage the experience of shopping at Preston’s Pantry and also providing folks with Delivered Food Boxes containing fresh and healthy food-- it is such a treat!”
In the spirit of supporting the work we all do to connect our community and provide resources to those of us who need them, we wish Jen all the best! To learn more about the work Jen will be doing with Blanchet House, and for volunteer opportunities, please visit: https://blanchethouse.org/volunteer/
MAKING CONNECTIONS 2021 Silent Auction is now LIVE!
We're excited to announce the launch of our silent auction for this year's Making Connections! With more items to be added in the weeks leading up to the event on Thursday, August 19th, we've been fortunate to partner with many generous local organizations and businesses, all of whom are helping fight hunger in Northwest and Downtown Portland!
Keep on the lookout as we add more packages and highlight the silent auction on social media. Let the bidding commence!
Lift UP cordially invites you to join us for our annual event
MAKING CONNECTIONS 2021: Moving from Scarcity to Abundance
on Thursday, August 19, 2021, from 5:30pm to 6:30pm.
This year’s virtual event will highlight Preston’s Pantry. Join us for an inside look at the abundance of Preston’s Pantry, a constant source of nutrition and hope over the past year. Registration is free, and all are welcome.
We hope to celebrate with you on the 19th of August!
Gratefully,
The Lift UP Team
Food brings us together.
