Reaching Out to Fire Victims
As the death toll rises and the devastation continues around California due to the wild fires people locally are helping out to send some relief for those who have been displaced. Shannon Fritz of Hillbillys Jams, Jellys and more are using all their proceeds from sales this week at the picadilly in Eugene to purchase fuel for a trip to the Chico area. They are taking a truck and trailer loaded with supplies to needy families.
“We’re looking for blankets, pillows, jackets, socks, shoes for kids of all ages, food items, toiletries, diapers…”
Fritz says that they will be leaving late on Tuesday and people wishing to donate can leave items at Franks Place in Mapleton. She says that they will be dropping off at a location in Chico that has been set up to provide relief for victims and they will also be making a couple of stops along the way for people that have reached out to them for help.
Pacific Earthquakes
Late last night into the early morning this morning the USGS is reporting that there has been a series of earthquakes off the coast of Oregon about 100 miles west of port orford. The largest of the 5 reported quakes was a 4.5 magnitude quake around 9:22 pm Thursday evening. The other quakes in the vicinity averaged from 3.5 to 4.1. None of these quakes were of the type that would trigger a tsunami warning.
19th Annual Pounding
Giving and giving back is a large part of the holiday spirit and tomorrow members of the Florence community will do just that as the 19th annual pounding for the Florence food share gets under way at 10 am at grocery outlet. The event hopes to gather more than 14 thousand pounds of food for needy local families to be distributed through the food share. Last year they raised over 13 thousand pounds and Top Hydraulics donate a dollar for every pound donated which they will be doing again this year. The Florence Food Share serves hundred of needy families each year and counts on continued community support for its operations. People can drop off food or purchase food from grocery outlet and donate it from 10 until 2 tomorrow at Grocery outlet.
Green Friday
If you want to avoid the hustle and bustle of Black Friday the Oregon Parks and Recreation department has set aside the Friday after thanksgiving as Green Friday for all Oregon state parks. They have waived all parking fees for the parks to encourage people to take advantage of the myriad of opportunities that parks have to offer. The waiver applies from open to close in all state parks with the exception of Shore Acres State Park which expires at 3pm for the Holiday Lights event that runs from Thanksgiving through New Years.
Community Foundation Grants
The Western Lane Community Foundation is gearing up for its 2019 grant process. WLCF awards grants to local non-profit organizations for projects and programs in the area of education, medicine and science, the arts and social and civic services. In 2018 they awarded over $73 thousand dollars. Organizations have until January 15th to submit grant applications. More information can be found at wlcf@wlcfonline.org.
