GNC’s Greatest Volunteer Need

… Is for Over-Night Hosts

Over-Night Hosts come to the shelter at 9:30 p.m. with a pillow and blanket prepared to sleep over-night until 6:00 a.m. when staff arrive. Over-Night Hosts are on duty to support the families throughout the night and for emergency purposes only. All doors are locked by 10 p.m.

For once… it’s okay to “sleep on the job”!

Participating in Bell Ringing for the Salvation Army was so much more rewarding than I ever thought it would be. At the beginning of the experience, I really wasn’t sure what to expect, but soon after I put on the red apron and Mikaela and I began ringing our bells we were receiving warm smiles and “happy holidays” from many strangers who passed by. It helped me realize the power of community and holiday spirit in this digital age we live in. The few hours we were there flew by extremely fast, with donations coming in steadily and some strangers stopping to talk and share their experiences around bell ringing and community service. I was astounded by the generosity of everyday people when faced with the opportunity to donate to a good local cause. Overall, the experience was very positive, and one I would recommend to everyone in Kiwanis who has a few hours of their time to spare.

These are services provided by the Portland Metro Salvation Army. This organization’s main fundraising efforts are centered around the annual bell ringing!

ByRobertBell

On Wednesday, December 21st George Deibert and I went to the Greenwood Oaks apartments to help CPAH distribute dozensdozens of wrapped Christmas gifts to needy It was heartwarming, depositing the gifts outside their doors, wishing them Merry Christmas and hearing their thanks for adding some unexpected joy to their children’s lives.

outside their doors, wishing them Merry Christmas and hearing their thanks for adding some unexpected joy to their children’s lives.

Christmas and hearing their thanks for adding some unexpected joy to their children’s lives. for adding some unexpected joy to theirtheir children’s lives.

children. It took us a little over an hour. It was heartwarming, depositing the gifts gifts gifts outside their doors, wishing them Merry Christmas and hearing their thanks for adding some unexpected joy to their children’s lives.