THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20
Jeremy Wilson Foundation (JWF) Winter Fundraising Drive
When musician Jeremy Wilson was diagnosed with a congenital heart disease, his community offered financial support to get him through four vital surgeries. In 2010, Wilson and friends founded the JWF to help future musicians through medical crises. They now focus on serving musicians in Oregon and Clark County, and need your help to continue their work. Make a tax-deductible donation to their winter fund drive at thejwf.org. The Jeremy Wilson Foundation, 1028 SE Water, Ste 230, daily through Dec 23.
Osechi Ryori
Start 2019 off right by pre-ordering Japanese New Year’s food (osechi ryori) made by and supporting the Oregon Nikkei Endowment. Fare includes nishime, makizushi, chirashi, and more, $60 is tax-deductible, and orders will be available for pick-up December 31 from 2 to 2:30 pm at the temple. Save $30 per order by providing your own three-tiered jubako box. Call 503-224-1458 or email info [at] oregonnikkei [dot] org to reserve. Oregon Buddhist Temple, 3720 SE 34th, through Dec 31, $115-145
Q Center Blood Drive
Originally sparked by the Pulse Massacre, the Q Center hosts a monthly blood drive in partnership with Bloodworks Northwest. Appointments are recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. Bring a photo ID. Q Center, 4115 N Mississippi, noon-6 pm, FREE
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21
A Vigil of Remembrance and Solidarity
The winter solstice is the longest night of the year and also National Homeless Person’s Memorial Day. Gather in a silent procession from this Southeast church in a march to the Foster Street Shelter for a candlelit vigil to remember and name those who died in 2018 living outdoors in Portland. St. Mark’s Lutheran Church of Portland, 5415 SE Powell, 5–7 pm, FREE
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22
NAACP General Membership Meeting
Interested in the getting involved in the NAACP but not sure where to start? Head over to the general assembly for updates and information on each of their many committees focusing on education, health, political action, and more. The branch is located inside the Lloyd Center Mall. Portland NAACP 1120 Branch, 1257 Lloyd Center, noon-2 pm, FREE
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23
Holiday Meals for Families
Volunteer with Moloko to help package and supply Portland-area families with hearty meals this holiday season. In addition to hands-on support on the day of meal delivery and construction, they also need monetary and food donations as detailed on the Facebook event page—and can offer a charity tax ID number. This past Thanksgiving, they were able to feed 37 families! Moloko, 3967 N Mississippi, 9 am-2 pm, FREE
Rockin’ Santa
It’s cool to take pictures with Santa, especially when your money gets you a cute print and provides a donation to the gender-inclusive Rock ’n’ Roll Camp for Girls. If you need liquid courage before you get in front of the camera, $1 of each pint sold goes to the org as well. Oregon Public House, 700 NE Dekum, noon-4 pm, $5-10 sliding scale donation
MONDAY, DECEMBER 24
Keep Portland and Vancouver Warm
Assemble care packages filled with essentials to keep our local houseless community a bit warmer, more nourished, and safer this winter. The goal is to get more than 3,500 packages to our neighbors throughout the Portland and Vancouver metro area. Bedrosians Tile and Stone, 1845 SE 3rd, 9 am-noon, FREE
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26
Hard Times Supper
Stop by for a warm, healthy meal at this weekly meal service offered to all without any questions or judgment. If you’d like to volunteer, send an email to pat [at] tearsoup [dot] com. Sunnyside Community House, 3520 SE Yamhill, 4:30-7 pm, FREE
Boxing Day Benefit Concert
Originating in the UK, Boxing Day calls for the distribution of boxes (or care packages) for those less fortunate. Join the Reverb Brothers band and Bare Bones for their sixth annual Box Day benefit by bringing donations of new warm weather apparel, hygiene products, and more in support of Rose Haven—a nonprofit providing vital assistance to women, children, and gender non-conforming folks experiencing houselessness and hardship. Bare Bones Café and Bar, 2900 SE Belmont, 6-9 pm, FREE
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27
Last Thursday Vigil at ICE
Join the monthly vigil hosted by the Interfaith Movement for Immigration Justice and hold space for the individuals and families affected by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. ICE Detention Center, 4310 SW Macadam, 10-11 am, FREE
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 29
Star Wars Oregon at the Galaxy Blood Drive
Donate blood, and perhaps hold Princess Leia’s hand for support! Every year this blood drive calls for donors to help save the galaxy—one pint at a time. Sign up online at redcrossblood.org. American Red Cross Blood Donation Center, 3131 N Vancouver, 9:30 am-2 pm, FREE
MONDAY, DECEMBER 31
Blue Year’s Eve Celebration for the Ocean
Kick off the New Year with a family- and ocean-friendly soiree. Activities include live music by Mo Phillips and Mr. Ben, photo booths, raffles, and more. A portion of all proceeds will directly benefit Ocean Blue Project, a 501(c)(3) dedicated to ocean conservation, tree planting, environmental research, and more. Oregon Public House, 700 NE Dekum, 11:30 am-10 pm, FREE
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 2
Monthly LGBTQ Veteran Support Group
Portland-area vets who identify as LGBTQ can gather each month at this safe support group to talk about anything they need, including societal reintegration, military experiences, VA benefits, and daily struggles. Q Center, 4115 N Mississippi, 6:30-8 pm, FREE
