"To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow." Audrey Hepburn
For gardeners and non-gardeners alike, summer is a joyful time. We can see, taste, and enjoy the fragrances of prior seeing and tending.
Although the results of what we plant in attempts to offer help to our neighbors in need are not always as apparent or predictable as with a garden, we must nonetheless trust in growth and progress. (For concrete examples, please see the Success Stories at the end of the newsletter.)
We are most grateful to all of you who support us in many different ways. We thank you not only for your contributions, but also for continuing to believe that the seeds of generosity and hope you are sowing throughout the year will bear fruit for the people in our midst who are experiencing hardship.
MEET EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
FRANCINE FIORE
We are delighted to report that Francine Fiore has been hired as our first Executive Director. As many of you may know, Francine was the Development Director for the nonprofit Juliette’s House in McMinnville for the past 12 years. Prior to that, she was Program Director for Yamhill County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates). With additional experience as a legal assistant and as a volunteer for various nonprofits, Francine, a Linfield College graduate, brings impressive professional and community experience to Give A Little.
MELINDA WEIDNER JOINS OUR BOARD
Another great recent addition to our organization is Melinda Weidner, who will be serving on the Board of Directors. Melinda moved to Oregon recently and has enjoyed settling into McMinnville. She has worked professionally in sales and marketing and has significant fundraising experience with the Salvation Army. As she became acquainted with the local area, she thought about community service and decided Give a Little was the right fit for her. We agree wholeheartedly! Melinda brings us expertise and commitment as well as fresh new ideas (see “Bath Cloths” below).
NEW BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL PARTNERS
We extend appreciation to Recology Western Oregon and to artists Ilsa PerseandJake Rockwood for joining us as our most recent Business and Professional Partners. For a complete list of the 76 current Partners, please see our website at givealittlefoundation.org. We welcome new Partners at any time and would be glad to share further details with you. You may contact us by email at info@givealittlefoundation.org or leave a message for us at 503-857-2964, and we will be in touch with you.
THE GIFT OF SHOES
One important way our Give a Little in the Schools program continues to support local children in need is to supply shoes. Hundreds of pairs of gently used shoes have already been distributed, and we're always in need of your donations for children whose worn-out footwear needs replacement. Please continue to keep the donation bin at Famous Footwear (2604 NE Hwy 99W) in McMinnville filled with shoes in good condition for both younger children and teens.
PAMPER YOURSELF (OR A FRIEND)
WITH LUXURIOUS BATH CLOTHS
One contribution Melinda Weidner has already made to Give a Little is the creation of hand-crocheted wash- or face cloths to benefit us. She and Tanya Braukman, owner of Rough Cut Soaps and Sundries, developed a unique stitch for these special all-cotton cloths. Tanya is selling them for $16 each in her shop and donating 100% of the proceeds to us. You’ll enjoy making a stop at Tanya’s storefront (320 West Monroe in Carlton), open Mondays, Fridays, and Sundays 11-5 and Saturdays 11-6 and visiting her website at roughcutsoapco.com.
JEWELRY FRESH FROM THE GARDEN
(AND FROM OTHER PLACES)
Currents Gallery has dedicated a lovely display case to sell jewelry donated on our behalf. The collection features one-of-a-kind, gently used, reasonably priced items, including vintage, estate, and contemporary pieces. Currents will happily accept jewelry donations and provide tax receipts. Stop by the gallery located at 532 NE Third Street in McMinnville and visit currentsgallery.com.
A NEW WEBSITE FOR GIVE A LITTLE!
We have just launched a redesigned, updated website. New features include: a place for you to send us messages, a blog, and a section with archived newsletters. We've also greatly expanded the section on "Other Ways to Help"; we hope the ideas presented there will inspire you to join with us in new, creative ways. Huge appreciation goes out to Adam Trickey (gearboxstudios.com) for the past 12 years of expert, generous assistance. We also thank Alanna Pass for invaluable help with the new site.
The address is the same: givealittlefoundation.org. We hope you'll find the website easy to navigate, informative, and thought-provoking.
"I would like to thank you for helping me. Now I can get my medical card for my CDL [Commercial Driver’s License] and I can go back to truck driving so that I can provide for myself and my family. Thank you for your time and the help."
"Thank you! Prayers were answered because of your caring. I so appreciate the help I received from the Give a little Foundation for repair on my car. I can now drive safely again."
"Thank you so much for helping me with my PGE bill. I recently sprained my arm and tore my rotator cuff in my shoulder, and had gotten behind in my bills. Bless you and your organization for all you do to help our community."
