Many benefit from Community Fund giving program

The Portland Community Fund Association’s annual Christmas Giving Program came through again for those in need. The Giving Program consists of donations of food, toys, money and other items from businesses, schools, churches, community groups and individuals. Applications are accepted from residents within the Portland Public School District. The Christmas spirit is alive and well in Portland.

This year they were able to use the Goodwill building for their set up and the distribution on Thursday December 16th. They had 110 households (34 seniors and individuals and 76 families) receive a Christmas dinner and children 18 and under received gifts.

Charity was demonstrated in a variety of ways. Donation boxes were placed around town in businesses and churches. Giving trees were placed in many churches, Homeworks Tri County Electric and Independent Bank with gift tags for the community to take to purchase gifts. The school collected large amounts of food as well as the Portland High School Cheerleaders and the Little Raider Mascots Charity Fundraiser. Food not included in the Christmas dinners was donated to the Portland Food Bank and The Backpacks for Bellies program. Portland Public Schools and Portland St. Patrick’s School students filled shoeboxes with age appropriate items to give to the children within the giving program.

Cash donations and gift cards were donated by many businesses, churches and individuals (some anonymous) to help with the Giving Program. THK salaried employees donated cash from their jean days. Other donations came from Fabricated Customs, the American Legion, the VFW auxiliary and the Seventh Day Adventist Church. Many people including the ladies craft groups at Mount Hope Churches made 98 hats, the Kramers donated printing services and RCP Artist Services gave a discount on printing. Family Farm and Home collected socks and toys. Girl Scout troop 4285 donated their time sorting food. Tom’s gave us an “at cost” discount on food. THK Rhythm donated over 70 turkeys. Herbruck’s donated eggs, the J and E Martin family donated fresh produce. The Wagon Wheel donated food for our volunteers on distribution day. As you can see many groups helped us with this program!

The Portland Community Fund Associations Christmas Giving Program is a total community effort and project. Portland is a very generous and caring community. This program is truly “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” which makes Portland a great place to live. The Portland Community Fund would like to thank everyone who made a donation or helped in any way. We appreciate your support.