WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20
<bHair MW and Y-Chrome’s Adopted Family Holiday Giftraiser
The Brady family, which includes four kids, spent last December living out of their car after each parent lost their job and—shortly after—lost their home. Thanks to a local shelter, the family was able to find temporary housing, and salon Hair MW is hosting a gift drive for them. For gifting ideas, scope the Facebook event or bring cash donations to any of the Hair M, Hair W, or Y-Chrome locations by December 23. Hair MW, 1015 NW Lovejoy, 10 am-8 pm, through Dec 23, FREE
Portland Fire & Rescue Toy Drive
You have until Christmas Eve to donate an unwrapped toy to this drive organized by Portland Fire & Rescue! Suggested gifts for local kids in need include Play-Doh sets, board games, Legos, and Fisher Price toys for infants. Last year, 129 businesses and organizations participated to collect more than 50,000 toys. Space Room Lounge and Genies Too, 4800 SE Hawthorne, 8 am-2:30 am, through Dec 24, FREE
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21
Bake America Great Again
Eat bite-sized donuts from Pip’s and other baked goods from a smattering of the city’s best bakers, bloggers, Instagram stars, and businesses in support of IRCO—an organization that has advocated for immigrant and refugee rights since 1976. Enjoy free wine and beer, and expect an impressive array of raffle prizes up for grabs—including a pair of tickets to see Hamilton in Portland! All proceeds raised will benefit IRCO. Pip’s Original Doughnuts, 4759 NE Fremont, 6-9 pm, FREE
Haute Chocolate Couture
Now here’s a good benefit concept: It’s the Portland YouthBuilders’ (PYB) Haute Chocolate Couture winter showcase. Attendees will enjoy the sounds of local DJs while strutting their best holiday garb in pursuit of winning “Sparkliest Outfit,” “Ugliest Sweater,” or my personal favorite, “Most Lit.” PYB supports young people facing poverty by becoming self-sufficient through programming in technology, personal and career development, and academics, and all proceeds help provide hot meals for PYB students. Lagunitas Community Room, 237 NE Broadway, 6-9 pm, $15 adv, $20 door
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23
Urban Gleaners at Mt. Scott Community Center
If you’re hungry and in need of a place to pick up free food, the Mt. Scott-Arleta Neighborhood Association receive and distribute goods to community members every Saturday. All you need to bring is your own bag. If you’re interested in volunteering, email Matthew at matchu.nw [at] gmail [dot] com to get involved. Mt. Scott Community Center, 5530 SE 72nd, 1:30-3 pm, FREE
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24
Feeding Homeless Folks
If you’re looking for some company this Christmas Eve, head on over to the Clark Center—a short-term housing program through Transition Projects for people facing homelessness. You’ll be given a quick overview of guidelines by staff before serving meals to residents. Clark Center, 1431 SE Martin Luther King Jr, 4:30-7 pm, FREE
Holiday Singing for Immigrants
Sing songs in English and Spanish and stand vigil in support of immigrants currently detained or affected by US immigration policy. Although the event is hosted by Buddhist Peace Fellowship, the group says, “We invite people of all faiths, no faith, and agnostics to join us as we sing ‘Feliz Navidad,’ ‘Jingle Bells,’ ‘Cielito Lindo,’ and other songs.” Silence is okay too, if singing isn’t your jam. Portland ICE Facility, 4310 SW Macadam, noon-1 pm, FREE
MONDAY, DECEMBER 25
Winter Dinner
Quest Center for Integrative Health began in 1989 as a group to provide support for people living with HIV/AIDS and has expanded to provide a space for people living with a variety of chronic illness and pain. This potluck dinner is intended for HIV poz and neg long-term survivors, friends, family, and supporters. If you’re able to bring a dish to share, be sure it can feed at least four more beyond your RSVP(s). Volunteers are needed before and after the event and should arrive by 1 pm. Quest Center for Integrative Health, 2901 E Burnside, 3-7 pm, FREE
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 26
Charity Tuesday at 10 Barrel Brewing
Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp offers children and adults with disabilities the chance to interact with nature up close. Programming includes residential summer camp and sessions throughout the year with access to canoes, horses, swimming, and more. The entirety of 10 Barrel’s taproom proceeds during this event will be donated to keeping Kiwanis afloat—that includes drinks, food, and branded swag! 10 Barrel Brewing Company, 1411 NW Flanders, 5-9 pm, FREE
Portland Books to Prisoners
Every Tuesday, Portland Books to Prisoners meets to ship approximately 20 books to people who are incarcerated around the country. If you can’t make it in person, the group also accepts donations to cover the monthly mailing expenses of $300 via Paypal at bookstoprisoner [at] riseup [dot] net. In Other Words Feminist Community Center, 14 NE Killingsworth, 5-7 pm, FREE
