❄️ Winter has arrived. This can be a challenging time of year for many of us. The holidays have passed, and now we face weeks (or months) of cold, dark, and rain. Nonetheless, every day is a little bit lighter than the day before, and this is still a very special time of year.
Winter is a season of rest and planning, and PCS has some bold plans for 2024. Constantly growing and changing, with a new Executive Director and as much community support as ever, we are rethinking many of the mechanisms behind the scenes that make us run—strategic planning, analysis of our operations, and the like. This is so we can operate as effectively and efficiently as possible, maximizing the empowerment of People Helping People.
Take a look at what we’ve been up to this past season! And remember, we are grateful for you, and we are here for you. Thank you!
New Hours for the Kids Kloset!
June’s Kids Kloset (JKK) is now open on the last Monday of each month from 12:00 to 3:00 PM.
Business Spotlight: Citizens Bank of Philomath
Citizens Bank was a powerhouse of activity in support of PCS this past season.
In October, Citizens Bank hosted a fundraiser for PCS involving voting on Jack-o’-lanterns. In November, they ran a food drive and collected over 100 pounds for PCS. In December, they held a present decorating contest and matched the proceeds in a donation to PCS.
Thank you to our wonderful neighbors like Citizens Bank.
Rooted in Love
Oh, and check out this adorable potato that the Gleaners found. It reminds us of the PCS logo! 💚
Annual Letter
Our 2023 annual letter has been published, written by our new Executive Director, Sharon. Please feel welcome to read here.
Holiday Cheer Recap
What a year! The PCS gift distribution program, Holiday Cheer, supported 78 families, 205 kids, and 144 adults this past holiday season.
We had 194 sponsors and a total of 342 hours of volunteer time among 39 volunteers. Not only were children matched with shoppers to receive Christmas gifts, but families were given gift cards for grocery shopping, and kids under 2 years of age were offered a crib quilt.The program even had a mention in our local Philomath News, and you can read the article here. Special thanks to all involved!
Successes of our Executive Director
Philomath Community Services is fortunate to have the leadership of Sharon Thornberry, a mighty force in the fight against food insecurity in Oregon.
In case you missed it, please take a moment to read this heartwarming article featuring our Sharon and her work with Oregon Food Bank.
Additionally, Sharon recently had the honor of an appointment to the Community Services Consortium’s Community Action Advisory Council. Congratulations, Sharon!
PCS Volunteer Coordinator
Meet our outstanding Volunteer Coordinator, Anna, and learn about volunteering with PCS here, through a brief introductory video.
SamCare Collaboration
This past December, we hosted another visit from the SamCare Mobile Medical Van. The mobile clinic offers a variety of medical services and is optimized for accessibility.
Over the past year, PCS hosted the mobile clinic about a half-dozen times, and it is proving to be a very positive collaboration.
Generous Neighbors
And big thanks to Town & Country Realty, for filling up a donation barrel for PCS! Generous community members make our services possible.
Holiday Volunteer Appreciation
From December 11 through 16, PCS Board Members took turns putting out holiday treats at each program area, in a show of appreciation and holiday wishes to our valued volunteers and their families. We are grateful to have such a warm community.
Update from the Garden
Lupe’s Community Garden grew and distributed hundreds of pounds of produce, leveraging hundreds of volunteer hours. Philomath has a productive little community garden!
Garden Co-Program Manager Sandy Heath is moving from program management to Board-level support. Congratulations and welcome to Sandy as our newest Board Member!
This means that the Garden is seeking a new Co-Program Manager to start in early Spring 2024. This is an opportunity to enjoy flowers, sunshine, and fresh fruits & veggies while greatly contributing to garden education in our community. Get your hands dirty by contacting Sandy Heath for more information: Sandy.Heath@philomathcommunityservices.org.Here a link to the Garden webpage for more info on this historic program.
Newsletter Signup
If you are reading this but have not signed up for our newsletter, please subscribe here!
PCS Online
Join us on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and Nextdoor!
