Christmas Baskets
This year marks the 50th Annual Christmas Food Basket Project, hosted by Soroptimist International of Florence! Volunteers will be distributing Christmas Food Baskets on Saturday, December 14th, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Siuslaw Middle School. No registration is required—just drive up, and volunteers will guide you through the pick-up line on 27th Street. Last year, this community-driven effort provided $40,000 worth of food to 447 families—over 2,100 people! Remaining food is donated to local food shares for further distribution. Donations to support this heartwarming tradition can be mailed to Soroptimist International of Florence at P.O. Box 1209, Florence, Oregon. Let’s keep spreading the holiday cheer!
Discount Park Fees
Oregon State Parks is offering a discount on 12-month parking permits during December. The permits, regularly priced at $30, will be available for $25 from December 1st through December 31st. They provide access to the 25 parks that charge a day-use parking fee and are valid for 12 months starting from the month of purchase. The discounted permits come ahead of a fee increase in 2025, when the day-use parking fee will rise from $5 to $10 on January 2nd. Permits can be purchased online, at select park stores, visitor centers, and local businesses. A 24-month permit is also available for $50, and both options are transferable between vehicles. The parking fee does not apply to visitors who hike, bike, or use public transportation.
Environmentally Friendly Bridges
Oregon’s roads, sidewalks, and bridges are set to become more environmentally friendly thanks to a recent $31.9 million grant from the Federal Highway Administration. The funding, part of the Low-Carbon Transportation Materials program, will allow the Oregon Department of Transportation to research and test ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from construction materials like concrete, asphalt, and steel. ODOT’s Justin Moderie says the focus will be on improving production methods and adjusting material ingredients to lower emissions without compromising strength or durability. The grant supports collaboration with academic experts and construction partners to advance sustainable practices in infrastructure. The program is funded by the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. Construction materials currently account for nearly 15% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and this initiative is part of ODOT’s broader strategy to reduce transportation-related emissions by 60% by 2050.