November 2021 • Thanksgiving | Nothing Like it
MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR
I don’t believe there is any greater gift than the ability to be THANKFUL. The threat of COVID-19 and the different strains of the virus are still with us. I, like many of you, have lost people I dearly care about to this ongoing threat. And if that weren’t enough, the surge of unemployment looms as these numbers skyrocket. In the middle of it all it’s November. And on the 4th Thursday of the month, historically, we are to be thankful.
Right now I am on a plane flying from Chicago to Portland thinking about the upcoming holiday and the challenge it will present to so many of us. Substantial challenges that are not easily ignored. Frightening challenges that can feel like emotional strangles on our lives.
If you are receiving this letter, it means that you have connected with Portland Open Bible Community Pantry and because of that connection you and I can be thankful for the following:
1) The number of faithful volunteers that come every week and serve the families that live in one of the most underserved communities in all of Oregon.
2) We have been able to provide food for more than triple the number of single moms and their kids this year. This includes families like Laura, who takes care of her six children and several grandchildren. She utilizes the drive through pantry because she is not able to stand in line.
3) We deliver food to the disabled and elderly who have reached out for our help.
4)That Tri-met provided us with a bus to pick up food.
5) That we have grocery stores which have partnered with us and donate food.
6) That when the homeless come they are welcomed and provided with nourishing food.
7) That when immigrants come, they can choose the types of food they want in their language of choice.
8) That children are not having to go to bed hungry.
9) That there are still people who give generously in-spite of the financially challenging times we are in.
10) That you are a part of making all this happen.
The loneliness, sadness and fear may be with us for awhile longer, but for right now, I’m so thankful for you. Your partnership with us has truly helped change the life trajectory of so many individuals. I am also thankful for the number of phone calls we are receiving from people that have been referred to us who are looking for help during the holiday season. Our deepest desire is to help, and we can only continue to provide that help because of you. We are thankful for your trust. Your ongoing financial support of our pantry will give many in our community something to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.
We are currently planning our Gala for 2022. This annual fundraiser will take place at the Gray Gables Estate on February 12, 2022. We are excited to announce that Emily Burris from Koin 6 TV will be our MC, and are thrilled about all the items that have been donated for auction. These items include Blazer Tickets, a two night stay at Mt. Hood Oregon Resort, and many more. A great Christmas gift suggestion this year would be to purchase tickets to this event for those individuals you know that are very difficult to shop for. They will have an amazing evening as they partner with us to raise money to feed those in our community who are going through hard times. Please go to Gala.pobcpantry.com . There you can purchase tickets, become a sponsor, or even donate items for the auction. Item suggestions are listed on the website. We believe with your help our $75,000 goal will be met and even exceeded, but we can’t do it without you.
Lastly, we would like to invite you to consider becoming a volunteer at our pantry. We have countless volunteer opportunities. You can visit our website at POBCPantry.com to learn more.
Have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving with your friends and family this year!
