Food and toy distributions divided for annual holiday giveaway
For several years the Community Christmas Basket project has included more than just a food basket filled with the makings of a holiday meal. It also provides a chance for families without a lot of cash the chance to get a nice gift to put under the tree for the kids.
Carole Manigold – “This year we decided to change it a little bit and empower the parents a little more because they know best what their kids want. Maybe we can help fulfill the games and toys that those kids want on their Christmas list.”
Florence Soroptimist Club member Carole Manigold says this year the toy distribution will begin the day after the food baskets are handed out. And rather than provide no choice to the parents it will offer more of a shopping experience.
Carole Manigold – “We’re going to have elves to escort the parents so they can come in and shop; get one large toy and several stocking stuffers.”
There are drop off points in several area businesses for toys, gifts and non-perishable food items. The food distribution is one week from tomorrow with the toy giveaway set for Sunday and Monday December 18th and 19th. More information on how to donate is available at kcst.com.
Battle over “Internet Censorship” bill heating up
On one side… movie studios, the music industry and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. On the other… Google, Yahoo and Twitter. In the middle, a proposal in the U.S. House of Representatives known as the Stop Online Privacy Act, also known as SOPA. Proponents say it’s simply a way to crack down on online pirating of music and movies. Those against it say it could lead to online censorship and the end of internet freedom. Oregon Senator Ron Wyden is concerned that the current proposal goes too far. He’s proposed an alternative that he says doesn’t infringe on First Amendment Rights.
Senator Wyden – “I’m not going to support anything that does so much damage to innovation and the ability of the Net to be there, available to everyone and not just the moneyed interests who have so much clout already in American government.”
Wyden’s version would leave enforcement to the International Trade Commission and would decrease the risk of shutting down web sites without due process. He says he’s threatening a filibuster in the Senate if there’s a chance that SOPA might pass.
Dungeness Season To Open Next Week
Oregon fisheries managers have decided that coastal Dungeness crab are sufficiently filled out for harvest to begin. Now it is up to fishermen and buyers to settle on a price. State officials meeting Thursday in Newport decided commercial and recreational crab season will open December 15 between the Columbia and the Rogue Rivers.
The ocean crab season traditionally starts Dec. 1, but fisheries managers decided last month to delay it in order to give crab more time to fill out and grow meatier. The season runs into the summer, but December is the big month for fishermen because crab is such a popular holiday treat.
Dutch Bros. Coffee offers Buck for Kids Day
The proceeds from coffee sales today at every Dutch Bros. Coffee location will be directed to children and youth programs. Last year the coffee sales in seven western states produced about $90-thousand on Buck For Kids Day. Local Dutch Bros. owners Shannon and Tanner Borgnino said the organization wanted to benefit from sales in Florence was an easy one.
Shannon Borgnino – “You know there’s lots of programs that benefit kids, but we, me and Tanner felt that, obviously this was one of the biggest groups in our area, the Boys and Girls Club of Western Lane County.”
She doesn’t want to guess at how much money will go to the Boys and Girls Club… but she says she hopes it’s into four figures.
Mapleton Sailors split with Falls City
On the basketball court last night… first girls’ basketball… the Mapleton Sailors held the Falls City Mountaineers to just six points in the first half on their way to a 51-20 victory on the road last night. In the nightcap of the boys-girls double-header the Mountaineers jumped to an early lead and a fourth quarter rally fell short for the Sailors who lost 55-44.