WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27
Revolution Comedy Presents Stand Up for Portlandâs Resistance
Chuckle for a cause at Revolution Comedy, the monthly fundraiser that pairs laughter with social justice, which this week will benefit local activist group Portlandâs Resistance. Along with a smattering of sets by some of the Pacific Northwestâs best comicsâincluding Mohanad Elsheiky, Caitlin Weierhauser, and Aaron FishbeinâPortlandâs Resistanceâs own Gregory McKelvey will speak. Thereâs no better way to close out the year than in high spirits and with good social morale. Curious Comedy Theater, 5225 NE MLK, 6:30-9:30 pm, $5 with additional $10 suggested donation
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30
Serving Meals at Clark Center Homeless Shelter
Clark Center is a short-term housing program through Transition Projects (which you can learn more about in our volunteer spotlight below). Part of their services include providing free hot meals for people facing homelessness, and you can roll up your sleeves to join in on the action as a volunteer server. Youâll be given a quick overview of guidelines by staff with everything you need to know before itâs your turn to serve residents meals. Clark Center, 1431 SE MLK, 4:30-7 pm, FREE
Winter Farmers Mercado
âTis the season to support local growers! Farmers markets arenât just for summer, and you can stock up on your favorite fruits, veggies, and small batch food products at Portland Mercado every Saturday through March. This indoor and outdoor market also promises activities for the kids, live music, and chef-led educational programs in addition to a bounty of fresh produce. Portland Mercado, 7238 SE Foster, 10 am-2 pm, FREE
Star Wars Oregon at Galaxy Blood Drive
Sometimes being surrounded by the heroes of your favorite space opera is just the kind of support you need when donating blood. Star Wars enthusiasts interested in charity and volunteering will join forces to attend events throughout the state as âStar Wars Oregon,â and theyâll be suited up in costume to guide you through the process. Be sure to drink plenty of water and eat a light meal before. Red Cross Cascades Region, 3131 N Vancouver, 9 am-4 pm, FREE
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31
10 Percent for Animal Aid PDX
Giving back to your local community can sometimes be as simple as shopping! Whether youâre filling up a basket with vegan treats or buying a single serving of kombucha, 10 percent of all of todayâs sales at Food Fight will benefit Animal Aid PDXâa no-kill animal rescue and nonprofit in operation since 1969. Food Fight Grocery, 1217 SE Stark; 11155 NE Halsey, 9 am-8 pm, FREE
Pueblo Unido Volunteer Meeting
A small but powerful group of volunteers have gathered to form grassroots group Pueblo Unido, where immigrantsâ rights are central to their mission and initiatives. After months of fundraising and assisting with legal fees and representation, the group has helped two detainees return to their families. Political advocacy and community service experience preferred, but not required. Show up and learn how you can lend a hand. Rockwood Library, 17917 SE Stark, Gresham, 11 am-noon, FREE
Loud in the Library: 2017 New Yearâs Eve Party
Itâs a well-known secret that libraries are radical as fuck. What with providing access to free books, DVDs, audiobooks, and so much more, the public institutions make sure that people from all backgrounds are supported in their quests for knowledge. Things will most def get turnt (and loud) at the Beaverton City Library this New Yearâs Eve with DJ sets, ping pong, snacks, booze, and a midnight balloon drop near the libraryâs grand staircase. Better yet, all proceeds benefit the Beaverton Library Foundation and another year of providing invaluable services to all communities. Beaverton City Library, 12375 SW 5th, Beaverton, 9 pm-1 am, $45-80
MONDAY, JANUARY 1
Housing & Homelessness Committee December Meeting
The Montavilla Neighborhood Association and their several committees meet monthly to discuss a variety of timely topics. On the agenda for December (albeit slightly behind schedule) is an update on public needle disposals, emergency warming shelter support, foster shelter proposal, and more. Free to attend, but consider supporting the hosting restaurant. Candlelight Restaurant and Lounge, 7334 NE Glisan, 6:30-8 pm, FREE
TUESDAY, JANUARY 2
Resist Trump Tuesday at Senator Merkleyâs Portland Office
The folks over at Indivisible Oregon are calling for a good, old-fashioned, face-to-face conversation with Senator Merkley about the ongoing resistance against Trump. Attendees will meet in the courtyard before speaking with Merkley just after noon. Canât make it out? You can always give Congress and your representatives a call! Senator Merkley can be reached in his office at 503-326-3386. 121 SW Salmon, 11:30 am-1 pm, FREE
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates)
When children need to navigate the foster care system, CASA steps in to train volunteers to ensure that the educational, emotional, medical, and practical needs of children donât slip through the cracks. CASAâs goal is to see children placed in safe, permanent homes as quickly as possible and until then, CASAs make careful recommendations to the court in the childrenâs best interest. Since its inception in 1986, CASA for Children has served roughly 20,000 kids and young adults in the Multnomah, Washington, and Columbia County service area.
Opportunities and commitment: CASAs make a two-year commitment of 10 to 20 hours per month. Must be 21 and over to apply. CASA occasionally needs help with events on a more flexible basis as well. Learn more by visiting casahelpskids.org. For questions contact Susan King at sking@casahelpskids.org.
