Empty Bowls Fundraiser Postponed; Beware of Scammers; New Monies for Businesses; COVID-19 Update

Empty Bowls Fundraiser Postponed

The latest casualty of the coronavirus pandemic is the annual Empty Bowls fundraiser for the Florence Food Share. Each December the Florence Food Share and area artisans work together to raise funds to fight area hunger.  The sale of at least a thousand hand crafted ceramic bowls raise money to fill the food pantry’s selves during some of the most difficult months of the year.   The recent Executive order from Oregon’s governor that began on Wednesday has forced the Florence Food Share to postpone their 25th annual Empty Bowls Fundraiser, according to event co-coordinator Vicki Sieber – Bensen,

“Well, we decided in the interest of the community, that we needed to postpone it.  Even though our existing dates fall after this two week pause.  We feel that it is better for everyone involved if we put if out a few months.”

Instead of early December the 25th annual Empty Bowls fundraiser will be moved into the New Year.

“We currently have February 18, 19, 20 of 2021 reserved at the Florence Events Center, so we will plan on holding the event then.”

Even though the Empty Bowls fundraiser has been moved to February, plans for the 20th annual Pounding will go on this Saturday from 10 am until 2 pm in the parking lot of Grocery outlet.  Last year the Pounding for the Florence Food Share raised over 32,000 pounds of food and more than $32,000.

Beware of Scammers

Just in time for the holidays the Florence Police Department has issues a warning about telephone and email scams that have been circulating.  The latest scam tells individuals that they have been defrauded and need to pay restitution.  The individual is then encouraged to purchase pre-paid credit cards or gift cards.  The scam is not a new one, there were similar scams last holiday season.  Florence police say that calls asking for payment through untraceable methods are likely scams.  According to police there have also been 2 other scams circulating, one where the suspect offers to fix an issue with your computer if you give them access to it and the other is a call from either the social security administration or the I.R.S. saying there has been fraud involving your account.  If you receive any of these types of calls you can call the Florence Police at 541-997-3515.

New Monies for Businesses

Businesses that have been adversely affected by the coronavirus pandemic will now have access to an additional $20 million dollars through Business Oregon’s Emergency Buisiness Assistance Grant Fund.  Beginning today businesses that have been prohibited from operating under Governor’s Executive order 20-12 or had a 25% reduction in sales over a 30 day period compared to last year’s figures can be eligible for up to $200,000.  Applications are available at oregon4biz.com.

COVID-19 Update

Coronavirus infections for Lane County have grown to over 375.  That is a one day jump of 68.  There were also 116 new cases reported.  In addition a 76 year old man from the Eugene/Springfield area died from complications associated with COVID-19.  There were no new cases for the Florence Area.  Statewide the OHA is reporting 1,099 new cases and 10 new deaths, raising the death toll to 788.  Total cases to date, statewide is 59,669.