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 we were able to use Portland Church of the Nazarene for the set up and the distribution on Thursday December 15th. This year we had 104 households receiving food, most adults received a gift card and 165 kids 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. Several individuals and groups in the community adopted families. The schools collected large amounts of food. 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 employees donated cash from their jean days along with 20 turkeys. Other donations came from the American Legion, The Seventh Day Adventist Church, the ladies craft groups at Mount Hope Churches made many hats, the Kramer’s donated printing services. Family Farm and Home collected socks and toys. Tom’s gave us an “at cost” discount on food. Herbruck’s donated 130 dozen 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.

Courtesy photo.