Our first-ever virtual auction is a wrap! We missed seeing all of you in person, but we're so grateful to everyone who helped make our online event a success. This year has been challenging for everyone, and the need for organizations like Bags of Love is greater than ever. We appreciate the way our supporters, donors, and sponsors stepped up during these trying times to provide the critical funds we need to keep the warehouse running.
To everyone who bid at the auction, donated items, and helped spread the word about the event - thank you. To our fantastic Auction Committee - thank you. To our generous sponsors - thank you.
There was some fun (and very competitive) bidding for the Bar Purlieu mixology class, the private tour and tasting at Thinking Tree Spirits, and the Date Night dinner-and-wine packages. The Pie of the Month Club was once again a big hit, thanks to master baker Teresa Dobles.
It's never too early to start thinking about next year's event, so if you are interested in sponsoring or donating to Auction 2021, please get in touch with us at info@bagsofloveinc.org or 541-357-4957.
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Updates from the Warehouse
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The pandemic has changed the way the Bags of Love warehouse runs - but it hasn't changed our commitment to meeting the needs of local children. We're continuing to support the dozens of organizations, agencies, and schools working to help kids and teens in our area. In fact, this past June and September were the busiest we’ve ever had.
In the warehouse, we continue to operate with a smaller-than-usual volunteer staff to comply with social distancing safety guidelines. We are all wearing masks, cleaning high-touch surfaces frequently, and using lots of hand sanitizer.
With winter quickly approaching, we recently switched our clothing bins and coats to match the season. Every bag will now include outfits and coats appropriate for fall/winter weather.
If you're looking to donate items, we're extremely short on new winter-weight pajamas for both boys and girls in sizes Infant through Adult XL.
Photo below: Volunteers Sheila and Denise with bags ready to go out.
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Coats are always #1 on our most-wanted list when the weather turns cold, so we were excited to learn that Bags of Love will once again receive jackets and coats from the Eugene Active 20-30 Club's Coats for Kids Drive. Due to the pandemic, the 20-30 Club has switched from its usual donation boxes and instead is accepting cash donations through November 6. Les Schwab will match up to $1,500 in donations to purchase new coats. We so appreciate the warm winter coats we have received from this community program!
You can also donate coats or jackets directly to Bags of Love at our warehouse at 1052 Green Acres Rd. We're open 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
Photo below: The Coats for Kids donation in 2018.
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This month, we'd like to recognize Sheila Meyer and Brent Farlie. This powerhouse duo helps us keep the warehouse running smoothly. They not only put together bags but also help with deliveries, and are always willing to take on odd jobs or repairs around the warehouse - including putting together new shelving.
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We owe a huge thank you to both International Paper Company and Eric and Kristin Forrest for their generous financial support. We truly appreciate the commitment to our work and are especially grateful to receive the extra funding as we head into our busiest time of year.
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How can you support Bags of Love this month? Here's what we're most in need of right now:
- Winter-weight pajamas for all ages
- Kid-friendly cotton or flannel fabric in 2+ yard pieces
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In September, we distributed 283 bags, for a total value of $49,530.
Our biggest order came from Lane ESD Migrant Education, which requested 48 bags. The following agencies and organizations also helped us touch the lives of children this month:
- A Family for Every Child
- Bertha Holt Elementary
- Catholic Community Services
- Centro Latino Americano
- DHS Gateway
- DHS West 11th
- DHS Willamette
- Douglas Gardens Elementary
- Goodwill Industries
- Lane County Behavioral Health
- Lane County WIC
- Lane School
- McKinney Vento Program
- Oregon Family Support Network
- Springfield Schools Family Resource Center
- Trillium Community Health Plan
- Willagillespie Elementary
- Willamette Family
- Womenspace
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