The holiday season has begun and social isolation becomes magnified to those less fortunate, in need, or alone. As a community, let us not forget how we can help our senior citizens, families, and individuals who may be struggling.
First, we can help each other in a personal way – be aware of your neighbors, especially if they are alone or elderly, and especially during the holiday season. Watch for lights to come on in the evening, and activity in and out of the home. If anything looks amiss, check it out. Are newspapers still in the driveway, mail in the mailbox? It’s not interfering to knock on the door to check on someone. It is a show of kindness. It only takes a minute to keep your eyes open. If you have concerns, you can always call the Police Department at 503-691-4800 to ask for a wellness check. Our police officers are trained and prepared to do this.
Second, Tualatin has several non-profit organizations that can help us help others whether they are our seniors or families and children in need. When you are grocery shopping for holiday dinners, pick up extras for the School House Pantry. When you are cleaning out your closets, donate your gently used clothes to the Caring Closet for our houseless children and children in need. When you buy a new piece of furniture, new pots and pans or kitchen items, or a new bed, donate your old ones to Community Warehouse.
Tualatin Food Pantry: located on the lower level of the Rolling Hills Community Church, 3550 SW Borland Road, 503-783-0721, www.schoolhousepantry.org. There is no charge for the food received which is enough for a family of four for 3-5 days. Canned and non-perishable food items, toiletries, paper products, and pet food are always welcome. You can also support the Food Pantry by donating at the Tualatin Library, partnering with Tualatin Kiwanis, by providing food barrels for drop off when you visit the Library.
The Caring Closet: located at the Tigard-Tualatin School District offices, 9000 SW Durham Road, Tigard, 503-431-5400, ttsdschools.org/Page/7820. The Caring Closet’s mission is to increase the confidence and retention rate of our lowest-income students by providing free, clean clothes and shoes, hygiene products, and emergency bedding supplies to children within the Tigard-Tualatin School District. This increased confidence can lead to academic and social success in school.
Community Warehouse: 8380 SW Nyberg Street, 503-347-2417, www.communitywarehouse.org. Our local, non-profit furniture bank serves families in Tualatin. They provide individuals and families in need with the basic, essential household furnishings needed to create more comfortable, stable homes. Mattresses, dressers, kitchen items, gently used furniture, and household goods are always welcomed and needed.
While you are sharing and caring, don’t forget to enjoy the holiday spirit all around us, right here at home and around the area. Here are just a few holiday events coming up:
- City of Tualatin Light Parades: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2, 3, 6:00 pm; tualatinoregon.gov/recreation/tualatin-light-parades for neighborhood routes and more information.
- Zoo Lights: Nov. 19 – Jan. 7, www.oregonzoo.org.
- Holiday Express: Nov. 24 – Dec. 27; www.mthoodrr.com.
- Christmas Festival Of Lights: Nov. 24 – Dec. 30; thegrotto.com.
- P.I.R. Lights: Nov. 25 – Dec. 31; winterwonderlandportland.com.
- Christmas Ship Parade: Dec. 1 – Dec. 17; www.christmasships.org.
Thank you all for caring for each other and wishes for a healthy and safe holiday season.
