Observer Wishbook 2013

American Red Cross Blue Mtn. Council of Boy Scouts CASA Elgin, Union & North Powder Food Banks Kids Club Mt. Emily Safe Center Neighbor to Neighbor Shelter from the Storm Union Co. Search & Rescue

LEGACY FORD LINCOLN

LEGACY CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE RAM

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COMMUNITY WISHBOOK 2013

About the Community Wishbook

Although we live in a wonderful place, we are not immune from the effects of hunger, abuse, poverty and illiteracy in Union County. At this time of year The Observer gets many requests for free advertising from non-profits to solicit donations that will help organizations to answer those needs. This Christmas season, rather than just provide donated advertising, we decided to take a different approach.

bout the Community Wishbook

What you hold now is the result of a collaboration with United Way of Eastern Oregon and the sponsorship of Legacy pages you will find the “wishes” of theone many local is forever, not for just day, Although we live in a wonderful place,Ford. we areInside these Christmas organizations are working to feed for the hungry, thosegiving, who have home, shelter those not immune from the effectswho of hunger, loving,house sharing, arenonot to put away in danger and educate abuse, povertywho and are illiteracy in Union County. and entertain our children. like bells and lights and tinsel, in some box upon a shelf.

At this time of year, The Observer gets many The good you do for others is good you do yourself. requests for free non-profits At advertising a time whenfrom we celebrate with gifts for our family and friends, it’s our hope that you will also Wesley Brooks to solicit donations thatawill organizaconsider gifthelp to the local non-profit organization of--Norman your choice. tions to answer those needs. This Christmas season, rather than just provide donated advertising, we decided to take a different approach.

Kari Borgen, publisher The Observer

What you hold now is the result of a collaboration with United Way of Eastern Oregon and the sponsorship of Legacy Ford. Inside these pages you will find the “wishes” of the many local organizations who are working to Christmas is forever, not for just one day, feed the hungry, house those who have no home, shelter those who are in danger and educate and entertain for loving, sharing, giving, are not to put away our children.

like bells and lights and tinsel, in some box upon a shelf. you do forfriends, others it’s is good you do yourself.

At a time when we celebrate with giftsThe for good our family and our hope that you will also consider a gift to the local non-profit organization of your choice. --Norman Wesley Brooks Kari Borgen, publisher The Observer

Index Page 3 - Food/Shelter/ Clothing & disaster assistance Page 4 - Domestic Violence/ Children’s Advocacy/ Mental Health

Please accept my donation of $______________________________ .

To: United Way of Eastern Oregon Funded agencies: American Red Cross, Blue Mtn. Council Boy Scouts of America, Union County CASA, Elgin Food Bank, Kid’s Club, Mayday, Mount Emily Safe Center, Neighbor to Neighbor Ministries, North Powder Food Bank, Shelter From the Storm, Union Community Food Bank, Union County Search and Rescue. Mail to: UWEO, P.O. Box 862, La Grande, OR 97850

or donate online at: www.uweo.org

Page 5 – Visual & Performing Arts/Library-Literacy/ History-Museums

To: _________________________________________________________ (find the name and address on pages 3 through 7)

Page 6 – Recreation/Children’s activities/Pets

Please send my receipt for donation to: Name_________________________________________ Mailing address: ________________________________ _________________________________

Page 7 – Senior & Disabled services/Veterans/ Health & Hospice

Please mail your donation directly to the donor at the mailing address included on pages 3 through 7 of the 2013 Community Wishbook.

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COMMUNITY WISHBOOK 2013

ood/Shelter/Clothing & Disaster Assistance

American Red Cross (Northeast Oregon District) 1806 Cove Ave., La Grande 541-962-0952 American Red Cross saves and rebuilds lives by assisting victims of house fires and other disasters; teaching life-saving first aid, water safety, and CPR skills; and helping people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies.

Cove Food Pantry 1708 Jasper St, Cove 541-910-1810 or 541-568-4578 Supplies food and toiletries to families in need in Cove.

Wish List: toilet tissue, paper towels, toothbrushes, toothpaste Elgin Food Bank 703 N. Division, Elgin, OR 97827 541-786-8995 An organization operated by volunteers and dedicated to providing supplemental food and household items to income eligible individuals and families living in Elgin, Imbler, and Summerville areas.

Wish List: food items, canned meat, personal care, launtry detergent & soap, monetary donations

Community Connection of Northeast Neighbor to Neighbor Oregon 1308 Washington, La Grande 1504 Albany St., La Grande 541-963-9126 541-963-7532 Neighbor to Neighbor Ministries is an www.ccno.org organization that provides assistance to Community Connection advocates for the elderly, disabled and needy. and assists senior citizens, children, low Wish List: canned fruit & vegetables, income persons and persons with disabilibox meals, such as mac & cheese, soup, ties in attaining basic human needs and in canned tuna, peanut butter and spaghetti becoming more self-sufficient. Community sauce Connection works with a cooperative, statewide network of partner agencies and the Oregon Food Bank to distribute emergency food to hungry families.

For every dollar donated Due to factors such as job loss, domestic to the food bank we can violence, or a medical crisis some of our access 5 pounds of food local families or individuals find themthrough our Oregon Food selves in a homeless situation or needing Bank Network so people who donate money can food. It is estimated that 21 percent of stretch their donation children in Union County live in families even farther. with incomes at or below the Federal Served 3,186 people in Poverty Level, which is $22,350 for a the last quarter in Union family of four, according to a 2012 report County at our food pantries.

by Children First for Oregon. Additionally, 1,274 of those people 53 percent of public school children were were children eating from eligible to receive free or reduced-priced an emergency food box. lunches. Over eight percent of the populaEvery dollar can provide 3-1/2 meals to seniors and tion in Union County is unemployed low income in need. according to the Oregon Employment We have assisted Department. The agencies on this page approximately 29 housereach out to individuals and families in holds with emergency need providing assistance with food, shelhousing in Union County.

In the last month we ter, clothing, transportation and disaster served 2,611 total meals assistance. from our Congregate Mealsite in Union County to seniors coming to the mealsite and to our meals on wheels homeGrande Ronde Valley Habitat for bound clients.

Humanity & ReStore Wish List: $80 donation will help a 2304 E. R Ave., La Grande family in a homeless situation with two 541-963-2414 nights lodging while referrals are made to www.unioncounty-habitat.org other services.

Habitat invites people of all back$50 donation will help us provide two grounds, races and religions to build housfamilies of four an emergency food box. es together in partnership with families in need. A Brush With Kindness is a new program that partners with low-income homeowners who because of age, disability or financial circumstances, struggle to

maintain their homes.

Wish List (Because our main material supplier, Millers Home Center, multiplies each donation substantially): $50 will buy lighting fixtures for the whole home $100 will provide a toilet, fixtures and sink for a home $250 donation will buy multiple roof trusses for the home

The Observer

Members of the La Grande business community unload items they donated to the CAN food drive in late October. The annual Community Action Network food drive. The drive, which concluded Nov. 2, generated a total of almost 36,000 pounds of food items for Union County food banks.

North Powder Food Bank PO Box 277, North Powder, OR 97867 541-898-2146 An organization operated by volunteers and dedicated to providing supplemental food and household items to income eligible individuals and families living in the North Powder and Haines area.

Wish List: donations toward new shelving, donations of holiday dinners (turkeys, desserts, canned veggies, canned milk, instant potatoes), personal items (TP, toothbrushes, shampoo, tampons, etc.)

teers and supplies food boxes to eligible families and seniors living in the city of Union area.

People Helping People Thrift Store 2633 Bearco Loop, La Grande 541-910-8363 People Helping People thrift store is dedicated to providing the community of Grande Ronde Valley with inexpensive secondhand clothing, books, furniture, house wares, and miscellaneous items.

Wish List: children’s coats, adult coats, blankets, sheets and household items including dishes, pots and pans

Union County Friday Backpack Program 1308 Washington Ave., La Grande 541-963-5114 www.lfbp.org Providing supplemental weekend food for children in need in Union County.

Currently 150 children from eight elementary schools receive supplemental food packs each week.

Wish List: $7 provides one supplemental food pack that has an average of 12 different food items $28 will provide one child with supplemental food packs for one month Other needs: 15 oz jars of peanut butter, Mac and Cheese, 5 oz canned tuna and Vienna sausages, 3 oz canned chicken, Instant Potatoes, fruit cups, applesauce cups, granola bars, instant oatmeal, hot chocolate packets, 10 oz cans of soup

Salvation Army 1114 Y. Ave., La Grande 541-963-4829 The Salvation Army provides food, toys, lodging, gas vouchers, back-toschool backpacks and emergency food baskets.

Wish List: $25 will purchase 48 cans of fruit from the Oregon Food Bank $100 will purchase 714 pounds of food from the Oregon Food Bank $25 will purchase a backpack with school supplies for a child Other needs: new toys, canned or frozen meat products, non-perishable food items and toiletries

Union County Search and Rescue 1109 K Ave., La Grande 541-963-1009 These volunteers assist those who are lost or missing in and around Union County. Available 24 hours a day, they are equipped for rescues in all types of terrain and weather. They provide outdoor safety education in a variety of settings.

Wish List: Operation funds for fuel, food and water Funds for maintenance and upkeep of equipment including vehicles, snowmobiles, 4-wheelers and trailers Funds to construct a building for equipment storage and maintenance

Union Community Food Bank 667 N. Main St., Union, OR 97883 541-562-5675 Union Food Bank is operated by volun-

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COMMUNITY WISHBOOK 2013

omestic Violence/Children’s Advocacy/Mental Health

Mount Emily Safe Center 2107 Third St., La Grande 541-963-0602 www.mtemily.org Provides comprehensive services to abused children and non-offending family members. Services include forensic child abuse assessments in a safe, child friendly environment, counseling, advocacy, information and referral, and community and youth prevention programs.

Wish List: $100 will allow a child/family to have a 45 minute counseling session……….$160 would be 60 minutes $50 will allow us to purchase snacks for a month for children seen at our facility $100 will allow us to purchase supplies for a month that we need to continue serving children and families in our community Other needs: paper towels, toilet paper, computer/copy paper, bottled water, sanitize wipes, laundry detergent, dish soap, liquid hand soap, light bulbs, Kleenex, glue sticks, 13 gallon garbage bags, batteries (AA, AAA, C), coffee, tea, styrofoam cups, refrigerated sugar cookie dough, canned frosting, holiday neutral sprinkles

to reduce unintentional, preventable injury and death in children 0-19. The goal is to stimulate changes in attitudes, behavior and the environment to promote safety.

Wish List: $10 protects child athletes: Safe Kids clinics teach coaches, parents and young athletes how to avoid concussions. $25 protects a child walking and biking to school: Safe Kids works with local communities to make neighborhoods safer with educational programs for kids and purchasing bicycle helmets.. $50 protects a child at home: Safe Kids helps parents make homes safe havens for children, keeping them safe around fire, water, medicine and more. $100 protects a child in and around cars: Each year Safe Kids hosts car seat check-up events and certified technicians install hundreds of car seats to keep kids safe.

Shelter From the Storm 1111 5th St., La Grande 541-963-7226 Working to break the cycle of domestic and sexual abuse in our community through intervention, individual advocacy and awareness - the Shelter provides services to victims, their children, families, and friends in a safe environment.

Wish List: Gift cards to restaurants and stores (like Walmart) Gas cards for women and families in crisis that arrive at the shelter on Christmas Eve

Next Step Pregnancy Information Center 1002 Spring Ave., Ste. 2, La Grande 541-963-6918 www.optionline.org Next Step Pregnancy Information Center is a place to think things over with someone who cares. All services are free, including pregnancy tests, OHP Verification Forms, and maternity and infant Union County has vulnerable children, clothing. teens and families. In the last year, a local Wish List: $25 will non-profit who works with abused chilbuy a new DVD for the dren saw slightly more girls than boys, 71 resource library $50 will buy 30 pregpercent of the cases involved sexual abuse nancy tests and 17 percent involved physical abuse. $100 will buy one According to a 2012 Wellness Survey, 20 month of theater screen percent of Union County eighth graders ads Safe Kids Northeast Oregon-Union-BakerWallowa Counties Building Healthy Families, 207 E. Park St., Enterprise, OR 97828 541-426-9411 www.safekidsoregon. org Safe Kids NEO works

drank alcohol in a 30-day period and nearly 25 percent of eighth grade girls who binge-drink attempted suicide in the past year. Some agencies on this page provide services to victims of domestic violence and child abuse. Other agencies advocate for children and adolescents. Some provide mental health services.

The Observer

Eastern Oregon University Mountaineer football players wear high-heeled shoes at Thursday’s “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” event in April, 2013. The walkers were among 50 people who walked close to half a mile as part of “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes,’’ an event conducted

by Shelter From the Storm to raise awareness of sexual assault.

Union Country Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) 1102 K Ave, La Grande 541-963-2993 www.unioncountycasa.org CASAs are powerful advocates for abused and neglected children, serving as a fact-finder for the judge, speaking for the child in the courtroom, and acting as a watchdog for the child during the life of the case.

Wish List: Volunteers Children’s items including games, puzzles and coloring books General office supplies including copy paper and flash drives

Union County Safe Communities Coalition 1106 K Ave., La Grande 541-963-1068 www.ucsafecommunities.org The Safe Communities Coalition is comprised of partner organizations working together to create a safe, healthy, drug free Union County. Our Youth Council is comprised of designees from around the County who plan and create peer-to-peer messages and sponsor substance free activities and events.

Wish List: $30 sponsors a monthly planning meeting for our Youth Council. $350 sponsors a team for the Drug Free Relay $2,500 sponsors a local Youth Council Member to attend the National Leadership Conference.

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COMMUNITY WISHBOOK 2013

isual & Performing Arts/Library-Literacy/History-Museums

ArtsEast 1 University Blvd (at 6th & L)/PO Box 541, La Grande 541-962-3624 www.artseast.org ArtsEast serves, facilitates and supports the arts, artists, and arts education in eastern Oregon. ArtsEast sends teaching artists out to 56 schools in 10 different counties to provide education in performing, visual and literary arts. ArtsEast also offers art classes for all ages.

Wish List: $25 will provide one hour of arts education for one child.

Volunteer grant writers-- to assist with funding for local schools to have art programs.

Wish List: $100 contribution will help to secure cutting edge independent cinema and music for all to view at EOFF2014. $50 contribution will help ensure that visiting artists have a warm and comfortable place to stay for this year’s event. $25 contribution will help support EOFF’s reach to the region to spawn cultural tourism.

Elgin Opera House 104 North 8th St./PO Box 492, Elgin 541-805-1672 www.elginoperahouse.com The Elgin Opera House put on plays and concerts for the community. Our work helps build self-esteem in the actors, keep kids off the streets and teaches them about volunteering, and puts revenue back into the community.

Wish List: $25.00 will help with scholarships to pay participation fees $50.00 or $100.00 will buy a costume $4000-6000 will pay for the rights to do a show.

Art to the Max Minnie Tucker, 2402 Cedar St., La Grande 541-962-1352 ex 201 Art to the Max is a 10-week summer concert Since the late 1990s, budget cuts have series held in Max Square. drastically reduced or eliminated arts eduThe open-air atmosphere contributes to an enjoycation for many Oregon schools. The able venue for concert Oregon Department of Education estimatattendees to relax and ed the teacher-to-student ratios were 1 to enjoy the performance.

705 in music; 1 to 984 in visual arts; and Coordinated by the La 1 to 2,439 in drama or dance. None of the Grande Parks Department, no city monies are used to K-6 schools in Union County have dedicatfund the program. ed art teachers. According to a report pubWish List: $50 will lished by the President’s Committee on pay for advertising Arts and Humanities studies have shown $100 will pay for one performer that low income kids who participate in Cove Public Library 606 Main, Cove 541-568-5001 Cove library is a volunteer run library offering books and computer access.

Wish List: $25 will buy three children’s books $50 will buy four books $100 will pay utilities for one month

arts education were four times more likely to have high academic achievement.

Research, including from the field of neuroscience, has revealed the way arts education can influence cognitive development. Some of the agencies listed on this page advocate for the arts and literacy.

Others provide opportunities for all ages to experience the world creatively through books, film, music, historical artifacts and various artistic mediums.

Eastern Oregon Film Festival 1119 Washington Ave., La Grande 541-962-5799 http://eofilmfest.com EOFF is dedicated to creating a cinematic experience in Eastern Oregon that promotes discovery, entertainment, and education via artistic exhibition and viewership. Through the mediums of independent film and music we aim to enrich and expand the cultural experience within our community.

Other needs: fabric and wood donations (2x4 and plywood) and volunteers to help with various aspects of productions.

Grande Ronde Symphony Orchestra P.O. Box 824, La Grande Dale Lauritzen, 541-963-0543 http://granderondesymphony.org The Grande Ronde Symphony Orchestra is the oldest continuous orchestra in Oregon, founded in 1947.

Wish List: Major donors to build endowment La Grande Arts Commission 2402 Cedar St., La Grande 541-910-1751 The La Grande Arts Commission encourages greater opportunities for and recognition of the arts in the area. Arts for All, a hands-on art festival for children, including those with special needs, featuring approximately 20 different art mediums, is held the third weekend of April and is attended by approximately 500 children and their caregivers.

Wish List: $35 will sponsor a table at Season’s Faire – you can decorate it or we will decorate for you. $50 will pay to bus the children with special needs from their classroom to Arts for All on the special day set aside just for them. $100 will purchase supplies for The Observer an art activity table such as weaving, tie-dye, clay pottery or beadDevin Frasier, Jocelyn Berado and the cast of ing.

“White Christmas” perform during the 2012 holiday A donation of any amount will close at the Elgin Opera House. help towards the $600 rental fee for the facility to host the event. peteer and a reptile exhibit.

Wish List: $60 will purchase 2 audio North Powder Public Library books 290 E. St, North Powder $50 will buy 12 children and young 541-898-2175 adult books purchased through the school scholastic book sale Union County Art & Cultural Center Other needs: HP 56, HP 57, and HP 58 (The Arts Center at the old Library) ink cartridges, books, yard sale items, 6 1006 Penn Ave./ PO Box 1479, La to 7 ft pre-lit Christmas trees & decoraGrande tions in good condition, clay or ceramic 541-624-2800 flower pots, individually wrapped candies www.artcenterlagrande.org and fruit snacks, and individuals interestThe Arts Center is dedicated to enriched in volunteering ing our community through inspiring interest and maximum participation in the Union County Museum arts through education, exhibits and cul331 S. Main St./ P.O. Box 190, Union tural experiences. They are located in the 97883 historic Carnegie Library, which is being Blanche Kohle, 541-562-5566 renovated to better serve the needs of our Sharon Hohstadt, 541-963-8624 community. www.ucmuseumoregon.com Wish List: $25 gives a child art supDiscover some of Eastern Oregon’s culplies for the year tural and social heritage through photos $35 gives a child 4 free art classes and artifacts that bring to light the $50 allows one child to participate in region’s natural history, Native Missoula Children’s Theater in June 2014 Americans, Hot Lake and the life of early $500 sponsors Missoula Children’s area settlers.

Theater in 2014 and ensures its success Wish List: Any amount will help cover the cost of the repair of a ceiling in the Friends of the Union Carnegie Public museum that sustained water damage durLibrary ing a summer storm PO Box 257, Union 97883 $90 will cover the utility bill for one Ronda Emery, 541-562-5807 month in the summer The Friends raise funds for additional $1,600 will cover roof repair for roof supplies and programs that fall outside the flashings and brick edging library’s budget. We have purchased books, shelving, supplies for the Summer Reading programs, and brought in a pup-

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COMMUNITY WISHBOOK 2013

ecreation/Children’s activities/Pets

Blue Mountain Council Boy Scouts of America 2301 Adams Ave. 541-963-2858 The BSA mission is to prepare young people to make ethical choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. Scouting serves young men ages 7 to 20 and young women ages 14-20.

Blue Mountain Humane Association 3212 Highway 30, La Grande 541-963-0807 www.bmhumane.org Blue Mountain Humane Association serving Eastern Oregon is a “High Save” animal rescue for various animals including dogs, cats, horses, goats, ducks, ferrets, reptiles, etc Wish List: $120 spay or neuter a dog $60 spay or neuter a cat $12 set of vaccines and worming for a stray dog or cat $15 microchip a dog or cat $25 monthly sponsorship of stray animal to cover expenses until adopted Community Connection Kids Club 2609 Second St., La Grande 541-963-3186 www.ccno.org The Observer Provides affordable, structured, day Blue Mountain Humane Association serving Eastern Oregon is a “High Save” animal rescue for various animals care for K-6 grade children. Children have a safe, stable, and productive environment to go to when school is not in service while their parents work. one child and 18 hours of childcare. morning and afternoon times).

The Recreation Program mainly proWish List: $25 Donation – Purchase three educational computer Pay registration fees for two teachers vides summer activities for children, ages Purchase puzzles and games. games to use in our computer lab. to attend required childcare training.

3 and older, including day camps, themed Purchase two books on tape for our Cover snack costs for two weeks.

Other needs: tetherballs (4), math camps such as rock climbing, archery, Listening Center.

(Snacks are served to the children in the cubes for our Homework Club, tumbling cooking, jewelry and fishing. The Mobile Buy needed materials mats, new sinks for our four classrooms, Fun Unit, is a multi-week, low cost prosuch as Legos, Tinker lumber to repair our Wall-Ball wall, soil gram which visits several sites each week, Toys, Lincoln Logs, for our garden, bark for our playground, designed to provide constructive and creSometimes the most vulnerable citizens of blocks, and magnets. paint to repair our playground map outative activities, including arts and crafts, a community are children who like to $50 Donation side. music, stories, games and a snack craft. laugh and play, and sometimes they are Give an existing parent Wish List: donations for scholarships the opportunity to have furry with four legs. 1,671 animals— Girls Scouts of Oregon for low income families their child attend Kids dogs, cats, horses, goats, ferrets—have Headquarters, 9620 SW Barbur Blvd. $30 will provide a month of beginning Club for 22 hours.

Portland, OR 97219 guitar lessons (we provide the instruneeded housing and extra assistance in our Purchase four books on 541-667-9696 ment). community in the past year. The average tape for our Listening Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, $48 will provide a week of day camp cost to operate an animal rescue the size of Center. confidence and character who make the for a child.

Purchase basketball, the Blue Mountain Humane Association, world a better place. Girls grades K-12 $12.50 will give a child a day of fishing footballs, soccer balls, learn leadership skills in a fun supportive at the Lake. with no vet on staff, is $275,758 annualetc. for outside play durenvironment. $25 will pay for a child to attend the ly. Various agencies have also been busy ing the spring and sumA fabulous cookie season. The cookie Mobile Fun Unit for the entire summer; an providing opportunities for children to mer months. sale season runs from Jan. 4 to March 9. additional $15 will pay for the second $100.00 Donation – grow and develop. The agencies listed on child in the family to attend as well. The Parents could send this page provide services to these extra La Grande Recreation Program for fee for the third child is $10 and each their children to Kids Club Children additional child is $5 each. special members of our communities— and have them attend for Minnie Tucker, 2402 Cedar St., whether on four legs or two.

44 hours.

La Grande Pay registration fee for 541-962-1352 ex 201

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COMMUNITY WISHBOOK 2013

enior & Disabled services/Veterans/Health & Hospice

American Legion Post 43 301 Fir St., La Grande 541-963-5141 (after 3 pm) or Commander Lonnie Myers – 541-9632908 Wish List: Donations to the Eastern Oregon Veterans Family support fund, which provides veterans in need, or their families, with food, rent, utilities, fuel, firewood, and emergency housing.

Donations to a building project, which will add a meeting room and dining facility to the American Legion Post in La Grande.

Elgin Community Center 541-437-5931 Wish List: Donations of new/gently used furniture, gift baskets and other items for their spring auction Center for Human Development 2301 Cove Ave., La Grande 541-962-8800 www.chdinc.org Community Connection 1504 Albany St., La Grande 541-963-7532 www.ccno.org Advocates for and assists senior citizens, children, low income persons and persons with disabilities in attaining basic human needs and in becoming more selfsufficient.

Wish List: $100 donation will provide an entire month of Meals on Wheels to a senior citizen. This group of people is one of the highest risk groups we serve. They are people who can’t leave their homes

$100 donation will provide an entire month of Meals on Wheels to a senior citizen.

Some of our seniors, veterans and those with disabilities face extra challenges. Many seniors live on fixed incomes. Women fare worse than men, with 56% economically disadvantaged compared to 30% of men, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Some seniors have lost loved ones and do not have family to turn to for help. Some cannot leave their homes due to health problems.

Union County has about 2,500 veterans, Wallowa County has about 875 veterans and Baker County has about 1,950 veterans.

This year the Veterans Food Bank in Union County gave out 16 large emergency food baskets, the majority going to veterans in need, and 47 Thanksgiving baskets. The agencies listed on this page provide services for seniors, veterans and those who are disabled.

due to severe health problems. Our meals on wheels volunteers are sometimes their only connection with the outside world. $250 donation will sponsor an entrée at our Union County senior center meal site. This meal has the potential to serve 126 people a meal for the day. For many it is the only hot nutritious meal they get per day. You get name recognition & invited to lunch.

Neighbor to Neighbor Ministries PO Box 1135 La Grande 541-963-9126 An all volunteer orga-

nization that works with other agencies to help the needy, elderly, disabled and their caregivers. Services include emergency assistance, wood program, and food pantry.

Wish List: Food bank donations and volunteers Donations toward utilities, housing costs and medications Firewood and volunteers to stack and split wood.

New Day Enterprises P.O. Box 3296, La Grande 541-963-2348 www.newdayenterprises.org New Day’s major objective is to empower and support adults with developmental disabilities to live, work and become a part of our community. New Day currently has 58 clients.

Wish List: $150 will cover a support worker to take five program participants to a community event.

The Observer

RISE, INC. 1912 4th St # 400, La Grande 541-663-0906 riseservicesinc.org VFW Post 4060 518 N Main St./PO Box 526, Union 541-562-6035 The VFW Veterans Food Bank provides for needy veterans and their families in Union County.

Wish List: Monetary donations will help buy perishable food items such as milk, butter, bread, eggs and meat for needy veterans and their families.

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LEGACY FORD LINCOLN

2906 Island Ave., La Grande 541-963-2161

COMMUNITY WISHBOOK 2013

LEGACY CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE RAM 10705 Island Ave., Island City 541-962-7099