Dear friend,
Can you believe it's already October? Time flies! As September wrapped up Hunger Action Month, I'm thrilled to share the outstanding progress we made towards our Nutty Goal: collecting 5,000 jars of nut butter by year-end.
A big shout-out to our community! We've already amassed the equivalent of 1,120 jars – that's 22% of our target!
Our journey towards this goal was kickstarted by the generous support from Laurelhurst Movie Theatre, Prometheus Real Estate, Otak, Havurah Shalom, Zion Lutheran Church, and First United Methodist Church. Support from partners like these couldn't come at a better time.
Recently, we witnessed a record 108 visitors in a single day, with many being first-timers. One particularly touching story was of a family of five who had moved to Portland for a job, only to face unexpected delays with starting work. Living in their car and in need of immediate assistance, we didn't just provide them with food. Thanks to our collaboration with the Old Town InReach Program (OTIP), we guided them towards potential housing solutions.
OTIP helps us:
Extend compassion and build trust with neighbors in need
Offer essential services, from shelter to food
Facilitate access to personal IDs and more
Ensure a safer environment for our service providers
Guidance towards securing stable housing
This partnership enables us to offer more comprehensive support, ensuring that families leave not just with food, but with hope.
You can join in helping our neighbors:
Host a Nut Butter Drive: The holidays are approaching. Consider initiating a nut butter drive at your workplace or with loved ones. Sign up here.
Donate to Our Drive: Just $10 can provide 4 jars of nut butter.
Volunteer with Us: We couldn’t attempt to do what we do without our volunteers.
Your unwavering support ensures that even in the most unpredictable times, we can operate with abundance and love. Thank you!
Warmly,
Stephanie Barr
P.S. Exciting news! Making Connections is back with a fresh date in April 2024 and new vibe. We’re thrilled to host this in-person event – our first since 2019. Stay tuned!
With Gratitude,
Stephanie Barr
Executive Director
Food brings us together.
