The holiday season is in full swing and it’s the time of year we start thinking about giving back. At ImageWear Solutions, philanthropy is high on our priority list: we think it’s important to support our community and the people who help make it a better place.
Today, I want to feature the great organizations we support. The people and places I’m about to talk about work hard everyday, year-round to help others and make the world a brighter place. I also want to give you a gentle nudge to put philanthropy on your list of goals for the New Year.
Without further ado…
The Sunshine Division
The Portland Police Bureau Sunshine Division is an emergency food relief organization helping individuals, women, children and families around the clock, everyday of the year. Food is distributed out of a warehouse in North Portland. Because of the close partnership with the Portland Police Bureau, officers on the street can give a Sunshine Division referral card to anyone they believe needs the Division’s services. This card entitles the bearer to a box of food, no questions asked. In addition, The Sunshine Division maintains both adult and child clothing programs, offering those in need dignified shopping experiences.
The Dougy Center
The Dougy Center provides grieving children, teens, young adults, and their families a safe place to share and work through their loss. Giving them an outlet, The Dougy Center offers peer support groups, education, and training. Sadly, on June 21 this year, The Dougy Center’s building was destroyed in an arson fire. They’re still helping grieving children and families in a temporary location, but need support now more than ever.
The Humane Society
As an owner of two dogs, animals hold a special place in my heart. The Oregon Humane Society has been working to help animals for the last 140 years. The Humane Society shelters abandoned animals, fights cruelty and neglect, and works to build a caring and compassionate community.
Oregon Food Bank
The Oregon Food Bank recovers food from farmers, manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, individuals and government sources. It then distributes that food to 20 regional food banks across Oregon. In addition, the Oregon Food Bank works to eliminate the root causes of hunger through advocacy, nutrition education, learning gardens, and public education.
Walla Walla Nursing School and “My Father’s House.”
For the past two years, ImageWear Solutions has provided printed apparel to the students over at the Walla Walla Nursing School to raise money for My Father’s House. My Father’s House is a non-profit shelter ministry that opened to meet the needs of homeless families. My Father’s House fosters independence and restoration in homeless families by equipping them with the life skills necessary to become productive members of their community.
All of us here at ImageWear Solutions are thankful for the organizations that make the world a better place and we look forward helping you in 2010.